Living with bears: How to stay ‘BearWise’ as fall hyperphagia begins

Key Takeaways:

• Drought is limiting bears’ natural food sources in Colorado.
• Residents are experiencing record-high bear sightings and reports.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) urges heightened vigilance in securing trash.
• Fall hyperphagia drives black bears to seek extra calories before winter.
• Community cooperation is necessary to ensure both public safety and bear welfare.

Why Bears Are Nearer to Homes

Drought conditions across Colorado have severely limited the availability of natural food sources, forcing black bears to wander into residential neighborhoods in search of sustenance. As “fall hyperphagia” begins—a period when bears traditionally consume extra calories—this food shortage is creating an urgent situation for both local communities and wildlife.

The Call to Be BearWise

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is urging residents to adopt BearWise practices to minimize conflicts. One of the agency’s main directives involves securing household trash cans to discourage bears from relying on human refuse. By making sure that food scraps are not easily accessible, residents can significantly reduce the likelihood of bear encounters.

A Record Season of Bear Reports

According to CPW, the number of bear sightings has reached unprecedented levels. “With bear reports reaching record levels,” officials warn homeowners that lax waste disposal or unprotected bird feeders may inadvertently lure bears onto their property. Vigilance, they say, could make a life-saving difference for both humans and wildlife.

Community Cooperation

Wildlife officials emphasize that successfully coexisting with bears requires collective effort. When families, neighbors, and local businesses all adopt proactive steps—such as reinforcing trash bins, removing outside food sources, and staying aware of their surroundings—the entire community becomes safer. This collaborative approach also helps protect black bears themselves, as the animals are less likely to develop dangerous habits or become nuisances in populated areas.