Brief by Central Staff
Wildlife – May 2002 – Colorado Central Magazine
It’s illegal to intentionally feed big game, and now there’s a fine for people who negligently feed bears.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission has adopted a regulation that requires businesses and residents to remove trash and other bear attractants, but the measure is intended only for worst case scenarios where there’s already a bear problem.
A similar regulation has been employed on an emergency basis in the past, but this time it’s permanent. Effective May 1, a $68 fine can be imposed to discourage Coloradans from leaving trash and food out where it can entice bears.
But before fines are imposed, Division officers will counsel people on how to discourage bear visitations by cleaning up food and trash, putting away hummingbird feeders and barbecue grills, keeping garbage inside until collection day and/or getting bear-proof trash containers. People who refuse to clean-up may be ticketed.
This new regulation was needed because Wildlife Division officers were having trouble convincing some people to remove trash, food and other bear attractants from their premises. Although the regulation doesn’t require people to have bear-proof trash containers or spotless yards; it does compel them to clean up their premises when a problem arises.
Due to drought, spring 2002 is expected to be another difficult season for bears, and Wildlife officers are asking that residents in mountain communities take reasonable precautions.
Poncha Springs Promotes Bear Awareness
After two actual bear attacks near their town last year, Poncha Springs is taking extra precautions to alleviate bear problems. The Poncha Springs Bear Task Force has been meeting with wildlife officials in order to get the situation under control, and one of the things the task force has been looking into is bear-proof trash containers. The town has found a company, Juniper Valley, whose products cost much less than average, and several of their bear-proof trash containers will be on display in the park on Poncha Springs Clean-up Day, May 18.
Although Poncha Springs will not be requiring anyone to purchase new trash containers, the town wants people to know about the option. This alternative may be of particular interest to people who have had previous bear encounters and those who don’t have secure garages or sheds in which to store garbage until collection day.
Although it’s not quite (as Ed insists on calling it) a Bear Fair — and bears are definitely not invited — from June 2 through 8, Poncha will be observing Bear Awareness Week. The town hopes to get kids involved so they can learn all about staying safe in bear country, and local wildlife officer, Ron Dobson, will talk. Poncha Springs welcomes interested visitors from other communities, and is currently looking into the possibility that Juniper Valley’s wares can be displayed in nearby towns, too. Those with questions about the town’s bear safety events can call Shane Hale at the town hall, 719-539-6882.
In the meantime, the Boy Scout camp near Poncha Springs where last year’s attacks took place now has a huge trash compactor, and will store both food and trash in bear-proofed receptacles. In the future, all food and toiletries at the camp will be stored in special locked boxes, and no food or bear-attractants will be allowed in tents.
