Saving Our Bears

Saving Bears One Trash Can At A Time

The Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition focuses on bear protection efforts by taking proactive measures to prevent and minimize human-bear conflicts.

If you have a bear issue, please feel free to reach out to us for help and advice.

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Saving Bears One Trash Can At A Time

BECOME A VOICE FOR BEARS! HELP KEEP BEARS AND WILDLIFE WILD:

Because we have the privilege to live in a prime black bear habitat, it is up to us to fundamentally change our behavior towards bears.
Protecting the lives of black bears by working on proactive measures is the most effective way to prevent and reduce negative bear-human conflicts.
Implementing innovative ways and solutions to get the public more engaged will ensure peaceful coexistence with black bears.
Offering free educational “Bear Aware” and “Bear Wise” materials can help our community better understand bear behaviors.
By working alongside with CPW on “Bear Aware” and “Bear Wise” programs, connecting community, and partnering with local municipalities are of key importance to keep humans and our beautiful black bears safe.
By offering free retro-fit kits existing trash cans deter bears.

SAVING BEARS ONE TRASH CAN AT A TIME

Our straps are made with the help of Boy Scouts of America Aspen Troop 201.

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IF YOU SEE A BEAR…

Stay calm and DO NOT run or play dead
Speak to the bear in a calm assertive voice
Slowly back away – make sure you are in safe area and that the bear has an escape route
It is illegal to harass wildlife and punishable by fine in the State of Colorado. Harassment can include gathering around, pursuing, or trying to take pictures with bears

THE SAD TRUTH... WHAT HAPPENS WHEN BEARS BECOME TOO COMFORTABLE AROUND HUMANS?

Hazing – using physical discomfort to discourage bears from entering dumpsters, homes, cars, etc.

Relocation – tranquilizing and moving bears to a new habitat in the hopes they will not return

Euthanization – Colorado Parks & Wildlife is forced to put down numerous bears every year

AVOID ATTRACTING BEARS

At Home:

Never Feed or Approach Bears
Anything that smells like food attracts bears
Secure & store trash and recyclables in bear-resistant containers until morning of pick-up or in a secure area – Never leave trash outside of a dumpster
Remove your bird feeders when bears are active (March through December)
Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors – keep and store wildlife and livestock feed indoors in bear-resistant containers
Secure chicken coops, beehives, and livestock with electric fencing
Clean BBQ grills & grease traps with ammonia, bleach or degreasing agent – Store grills in secure area to keep bears out
Vinegar is a great bear deterrent
Protect your garden: compost pile properly; pick fruit from trees and clean up fallen fruit or donate
Alert your neighbors to bear activity or contact us at 305-710-2977

Outdoors:

Keep your dog on-leash. Dogs pressure bears to defend themselves; off-leash dogs are the cause of many negative encounters between people and bears or other wildlife
While jogging or hiking in the woods, use your voice to avoid a surprise encounter, use a bear whistle or carry bear spray and know how to use it!
Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid using headphones
Keep all bear-accessible windows closed and locked
Lock your vehicle and garage doors – DO NOT LEAVE food or trash inside car

If bears are rewarded with food at your home, bears will keep coming back!

Fed bears frequently cause property damage and can be unfairly labeled as nuisances and are often killed.

Buy a bear resistant can or retrofit a bear resistant strap to your existing can.

Bear Resistant Cans (BRC’s) need to be compliant with local waste companies.

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