More Bears Seen In Springs Because of Dry Weather

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the could be more bear sightings in Colorado Springs this year, in comparison to previous years.

?The biggest concerns [are] drought conditions, right now, and low water this winter that creates a situation where bear foraging doesn?t produce,? said Randy Hampton, spokesperson Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Hampton explained that when there is a shortage of food sources in the area bears reside, they will begin looking elsewhere.

?As they go looking for natural food, they come across a house, and what they typically find is trash, bird feeders, pet food; all those things attract bears to communities,? said Hampton.

For this reason, officials with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife said they are anticipating more bears around Colorado Springs this summer.

Hampton explains that officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife never want to kill a bear, and explains that even tranquilizing a bear can be dangerous for the bear. To prevent these measures from becoming necessary, Hampton said there are several steps people can take to make their homes less attractive to bears.

?Prevention is absolutely the No. 1 thing that we can do,? said Hampton.

Here are some tips by Colorado Parks and Wildlife that prevent homes from attracting bears:

-Close and lock all bear-accessible windows and doors. -Put on talk radio (not music) when you leave home as the sound of human voices will startle most bears. -Bears can follow scents from up to 5 miles away, so be extra vigilant when cooking indoors and out. -Do not leave trash out overnight unless it?s in a bear-proof container. -Feed birds only when bears are hibernating. -Do not store food in an unlocked garage, flimsy shed or on or under a deck.

In the event a bear is seen, homeowners are encouraged to make loud noises to scare the bear away. If the bear enters the home, be sure to leave doors and windows open so the bear can escape. For further assistance, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 277-5200.