CPW urges homeowners to be alert of bears near recent burn scars

After several devastating wildfires that have torn through the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials warn the damage left behind is taking a toll on wildlife.

“We’re going to expect wildlife in our yards, we even had two bears flip the dumpster last year,” said Krystal Gloor, an evacuee of the High Chateau fire.

Gloor and her husband Larry live in the Highland Meadows area in Florrisant. The two are no stranger to wildlife paying a visit to their area, but expect that to increase due to the fresh burn scars in their neighborhood.

“They’re hungry because their land is burnt up,” she said.

Fire officials are reporting food sources for multiple wildlife species are burnt, which may lead to animals lurking into town or neighborhoods for their next meal.

“They’re so strong,” said Patti Best, a High Chateau evacuee. “My neighbor said that a bear took apart his freezer that had a lock on it. He thought it was safe, but the bear figured out how to pull the hinges off.”

Of the more than 1,400 acres burned from the fire, nothing but charred land and dead grass is left. A chunk of land that was previously a reliable source of food for many species.

“They’re tenacious and hungry,” Best said.

Wildlife specialists explains since bears pursue a high-calorie diet, it’s likely they’ll feel more inclined to visit highly-populated areas.

The best thing to do is to secure your trash cans and limit easy access to your property.