Bear sightings have started in Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorities record that black bears are emerging from their dens and are looking for food The agency has already received more than reports of bear activity in Colorado counties this year and that number is expected to increase substantially in the coming months according to a news release As bear activity increases wildlife authorities are urging residents to secure food and scents that could attract the animals Bears should not eat from trash receptacles bird feeders or other human-provided food sources around homes or businesses CPW administrators mentioned The first bears to emerge from their winter dens are typically males boars followed by females sows that did not give birth to cubs over the winter The last bears to emerge from winter dens are the females who gave birth to this year s cubs usually in late April according to the release Early-season natural food sources for bears include grasses aspen buds and other vegetative matter that is beginning to sprout Those food sources are gentle and help a bear s digestive system and metabolism adjust back to normal after not consuming anything for months the release disclosed C PW offered these tips for bear-proofing home s Keep garbage in a well-secured location Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors ammonia is effective Keep garage doors closed Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster Do not hang bird feeders b etween April a nd Nov Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths Don t allow bears to become at ease around your house If you see one haze it by yelling throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off Related Articles Engine of United flight diverted to DIA on Sunday caught fire United flight diverted back to DIA after feasible wildlife strike Multiple raccoons with deadly contagious complaint disclosed in southern Colorado Judge orders Denver Water to halt expansion of Gross Reservoir over flawed environmental permitting Injured baby owl rescued near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield Secure compost piles Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food Clean the grill after each use and clean up thoroughly after cookouts If you have fruit trees don t allow the fruit to rot on the ground For additional tips for dealing with bears and other information about the animals visit cpw state co us living-bears Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter