Bear Aware in Boulder: Tips for Navigating Colorado’s Bear Season

Boulder, Colorado, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also home to a significant bear population. As bear season approaches, it’s crucial for residents and visitors to understand the behaviors of these magnificent creatures and take necessary precautions to ensure coexistence.

Understanding Bears in Boulder

Bears in Boulder are primarily black bears, known for their intelligence and adaptability. They are attracted to urban areas by easily accessible food sources, such as unsecured trash, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food. As omnivores, they have a diverse diet, including berries, insects, and occasionally small mammals. It’s important to note that despite their name, black bears can also have brown or cinnamon-colored fur.

During bear season, which typically runs from early spring to late fall, the animals are particularly active as they prepare for hibernation. This period coincides with increased human outdoor activities, raising the likelihood of bear encounters. Understanding bear behavior and knowing how to respond is crucial for minimizing conflicts and keeping both humans and bears safe.

Staying Safe During Bear Season

When venturing into bear country, it’s essential to be proactive in preventing potential encounters. This includes properly storing food and scented items in bear-proof containers, keeping a safe distance if a bear is spotted, and avoiding sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the animal. Hiking in groups and making noise along the trail can also help alert bears to your presence, reducing the chances of surprising them.

In urban areas, residents play a vital role in bear conservation by securing trash in bear-resistant containers, removing fallen fruits from yards, and bringing bird feeders inside at night. By minimizing attractants, the likelihood of bears frequenting residential areas decreases, benefiting both human and bear populations.

When encountering a bear, it’s crucial to know how to react properly to increase your safety and that of the bear. Here are seven top recommendations, each explained in detail:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Panicking can make things worse. Determine if the bear has noticed you and whether it’s a defensive encounter (the bear is surprised or protecting something) or a predatory one (the bear is stalking you).
2. Do Not Run: Running can trigger a bear’s predatory instincts. Instead, slowly back away while facing the bear, avoiding sudden movements.
3. Make Yourself Look Big: Stand tall, raise your arms or a jacket above your head, and spread your legs to appear larger. This can convince the bear you’re not prey and potentially a threat.
4. Make Noise: Speak in a firm, calm voice to let the bear know you’re human and not prey. Avoid screams or high-pitched sounds.
5. Use Bear Spray if Available: Bear spray is an effective deterrent when used properly. If a bear approaches within your comfort zone (usually within a few meters/yards), prepare to use it by removing the safety and aiming slightly downwind.
6. Do Not Climb a Tree: Bears are excellent climbers. Climbing a tree to escape a bear is rarely effective and can lead to a more dangerous situation.
7. Know When to Play Dead or Fight Back: If a bear attack seems imminent, the response should be based on the type of bear and the nature of the encounter. For example, with grizzly bears, playing dead can sometimes discourage further attack. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands protecting the back of your neck, legs spread to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. However, if the bear attack is predatory (a rare occurrence), fight back vigorously, targeting the bear’s face and nose.

Understanding these steps and reacting appropriately can significantly improve outcomes in the rare event of a bear encounter. Remember, every bear encounter is unique, and these guidelines may need to be adapted to the specific situation.