Boulder, Colorado is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears. Bear season in Boulder typically begins in early April and lasts until November. During this time, bears become more active as they search for food after coming out of hibernation.

To protect yourself and minimize the risk of bear encounters, it is important to follow some simple tips. The first and most important thing to do is to secure your trash. Bears have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to the scent of food. It is recommended that you keep your trash cans inside until the day of pickup, and use bear-resistant trash cans if available.

Another way to reduce the risk of bear encounters is to avoid leaving food or food waste outside. This includes pet food, bird feeders, and compost piles. If you do have a compost pile, make sure it is securely enclosed and contains only fruit and vegetable scraps.

When hiking or camping, it is important to be bear-aware. This means carrying bear spray, making noise to alert bears of your presence, and avoiding hiking alone. It is also recommended that you hike in groups of three or more and avoid hiking during dawn and dusk when bears are more active.

If you do encounter a bear, it is important to remain calm and avoid running. Running may trigger a chase response in the bear. Instead, make yourself look bigger by standing on your tiptoes, raising your arms above your head, and spreading your jacket or backpack to make yourself appear larger. Speak to the bear in a calm and assertive voice, and slowly back away.

If a bear charges you, use your bear spray as a last resort. Aim for the bear’s face and continue spraying until the bear retreats. It is also important to report any bear sightings or encounters to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife department.

In conclusion, bear season in Boulder, Colorado starts in early April and lasts until November. To protect yourself and minimize the risk of bear encounters, secure your trash, avoid leaving food or food waste outside, be bear-aware when hiking or camping, and remain calm if you do encounter a bear. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Boulder while minimizing the risk of bear encounters.

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