The Bears Are Back
As the crisp mountain mornings roll in and Boulder’s trails get busier, our wild neighbors are waking up and making their presence known. Bear sightings across Boulder County are increasing, and that means it’s time for residents, hikers, and pet owners to brush up on bear awareness. Whether you’re new to Boulder or a seasoned mountain local, these tips could help prevent a dangerous encounter—for you and the bears.

Why Bears Are Active Now
This time of year marks a critical phase for bears called hyperphagia—a period where they eat up to 20 hours a day in preparation for winter hibernation. Bears will travel far and wide in search of food, and unfortunately, that sometimes means wandering into neighborhoods, sniffing out unsecured trash, bird feeders, pet food, and even cars with snacks inside.

What to Do If You See a Bear
If you spot a bear in Boulder—on a trail or near your home—here’s what to remember:

• Stay Calm – Don’t run. Running may trigger a chase response.

• Speak Firmly – Let the bear know you’re human. Wave your arms and make yourself look big.

• Back Away Slowly – Keep your eyes on the bear but move away calmly.

• Never Approach a Bear – Even for photos. A seemingly calm bear can become aggressive quickly.

• Report the Sighting – Call Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) or Colorado Parks and Wildlife if a bear appears dangerously close to humans or buildings.

Bear-Proofing Your Home
Being bear-aware isn’t just for hikers. Residents play a big role in keeping Boulder’s bears wild and safe.

• Secure Your Trash – Only put garbage out the morning of pickup, not the night before.

• Use Bear-Resistant Containers – These are required in many Boulder neighborhoods near open space.

• Bring Bird Feeders In – Or suspend them high and clean up fallen seeds.

• Don’t Leave Pet Food Outdoors – Bears love kibble as much as your dog does.

• Keep Car Doors Locked – Bears have been known to open doors to access leftover snacks.

For Hikers and Trail Runners
Exploring Boulder’s beautiful trails? Here’s how to stay safe:

• Make Noise – Clap, talk, or carry bear bells, especially in dense brush.

• Hike in Groups – Bears are more likely to avoid groups than solo hikers.

• Carry Bear Spray – And know how to use it.

• Keep Dogs Leashed – Off-leash dogs can provoke bears and lead them back to you.

Coexisting with Colorado Wildlife
Boulder is lucky to have such rich biodiversity, but that comes with responsibility. Educating yourself and others is key to peaceful coexistence. Remember: a fed bear is a dead bear. Let’s do our part to keep wildlife wild and our community safe.

Final Thoughts
Bear season in Boulder is a reminder of how close we live to nature—and how important it is to respect that relationship. With a few smart practices, we can reduce conflicts and make sure Boulder remains a safe haven for both humans and bears.

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