Increased bear activity is ramping up in Boulder as bears started coming out of hibernation. Officials have already begun the lockdown of trash cans and other potential food receptacles to prevent bears from coming into human populated areas.

Bears that come into town and find food are more likely to return, putting them at risk of being killed by vehicles or consuming harmful chemicals or materials. Staying in town also poses the risk of bears losing their natural fear of people, which could force wildlife officers to euthanize the animals to protect public safety.

Boulder residents also need to keep in mind other potential food that may attract bears, such as bird feeders, dog and cat food, fruit trees, and any livestock that people may have. There has been an uptick in bears attacking livestock in recent years, so it is especially important to keep livestock in secure spaces.