Spring has arrived and with it the number of incidents involving our local bear population have increased throughout the Broadmoor area. Numerous sightings have been reported. As bears awaken from hibernation, they typically scavenge for food sources to quell their hunger. Trash cans and bird feeders are usual targets but even dogfood on your porch or food left inside a vehicle may be attractive to a hungry bear. Bears are extremely strong and can inflict a fair amount of damage when trying to get to a food source. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends keeping your trash cans inside when not being emptied by your trash service. Likewise, be careful with bird feeders and other food sources. You can expect to see bears just about anywhere and nearly at any time, but evenings and night are the times when bears are often active. Use extra caution when driving as bears are dark and low to the ground which makes them hard to see – especially if you are distracted or driving in unlit areas.
Generally, bears in our area are easily scared away by making loud noises or loud yelling should one enter your property. CPW advises that often the best course of action is to simply leave bears alone and they will leave eventually – that is, if they aren’t acting aggressive or damaging your property. CPW offers many suggestions on “bear proofing” your home and other actions to take to avoid encounters with bears. Please find more information about living with wildlife and particularly bears at the following link: Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Bears (state.co.us). Remember, you can also contact your BIS Officer on duty by calling the emergency telephone number that all members should have available if you need an officer to respond and assist you with a bear issue or provide you with information or other resources to deal with a visiting bear.
I share this information in hope that it is helpful for you, our members, to become more bear aware and to stay safe out there. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to assist you with your security and safety needs. Always happy to help. Thank you for being a member of BIS.
Sincerely,
Chief Mark Trostel, BIS
T: 719-634-4000
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