Colorado’s black bears are entering hyperphagia, the instinctive “feeding frenzy” to pack on pounds before winter hibernation, which means it’s important to stay bear aware.
Bears are seeking upwards of 20,000 calories per day, spending more than 20 hours searching for that caloric intake every day. Bears often look for easy meals in human trash, bird feeders and other unnatural attractants, according to a release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
To protect these hungry bears, the agency encourages everyone to take steps to bear proof their homes.
The agency reminds Coloradoans not to feed bears or leave food out for other wildlife; to be responsible with trash and bird feeders; and to keep bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked. Avoid keeping food, trash or anything else that smells in cars and burn off barbeque grills and clean them after every use.
The CPW website provides resources and recommended steps for people and businesses to stay bear aware.
The agency reminds communities that it’s up to everyone to prevent human-bear interactions and keep bears wild.