Make sure you’re “Bear Aware” when out hiking this time of year

As hibernation ends, bears are starting to roll out of their dens, and since we live in bear country, residents and visitors need to be aware.

Sarah Watson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife said, “Anytime you’re out in the woods you’re going to be aware, but this time especially.”

And coming out of hibernation bears are going to be hungry and looking for food. Just last week, a bear got into a car and ate a pack of gummy bears.

“If you’re out hiking you’re going to want to make sure you don’t have any open food out in your vehicles, make sure your windows are rolled up,” Watson said. “Nothings open that could potentially attract a bear, they have a great sense of smell so if they can smell it, they are going to find it.”

So how do you handle a situation where you come face to face with a bear?

Watson says to be as loud as possible, you want to try and make yourself seem big, but do not run away.

Make sure your dogs are on a leash and that you can control them. If you do come across a cub be aware that a sow is absolutely in the area.

And it’s not just bears you need to be aware of. This is the time of year where newborn fawns are roaming about. And, although they look cute and cuddly, Wildlife and Parks ask that you please leave them alone.

“Very natural for a mother to leave her fawn for hours at a time, so she will put them down and she knows exactly where they are. She will go off and feed and do whatever she needs to survive and then she will come back for her fawn,” Watson said.

So far this year, Wildlife and Parks said they have already had 15 reports of bear sightings in town, so make sure you are not leaving your garbage cans out overnight and that your garage doors are shut.