Bears are emerging from hibernation

With temperatures warming up, people are starting to get out and about.

But the warmer weather means bears are starting to come out too.

“We expect that the calls will pick up once again once the weather gets nicer,” said Kyle Davidson from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Already, bears are roaming neighborhoods.

“They’re probably very hungry and they’re looking for their calorie sources,” said Davidson.

Despite some exceptions like the pizza bear at Louie’s in downtown Colorado Springs, one part of the city is most likely to see bears.

Seeing bears in Colorado Springs, especially on the west side of town is no real surprise. That’s because the west side of town is close to the mountains.

Jules Borecki lives in Colorado Springs but says, “I haven’t seen anything yet.”

Kiki Goetz said, “I’ve seen a moose, (I) haven’t seen any bears.”

Borecki and Goetz know hiking at their favorite spots can mean bear sightings.

They know what to do if they see a bear for them and their four-legged friends.

Goetz said, “You’re supposed to make noise on the trails to keep the bears away.”

“If you see a bear you’re supposed to get big. I guess I’m going to make sure (my) dogs are on a leash.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a few more tips.

“Make sure you’re not blocking any exit or get between a mother and her cubs. Look around your surroundings and make sure you know where you’re at in relation to the bear,” said Davidson.

Good advice. Because if you live in this area long enough, it’s only a matter of time before you come face to face with a bear.

Another good tip from Parks and Wildlife: don’t leave your trash out overnight.

Bears will consider it a source of food and may become nuisance bears, forcing wildlife officers to re-locate or even euthanize an animal.