No Free Lunch: Why Securing Attractants and Reporting Activity Could Save a Bear

No Free Lunch: Why Securing Attractants and Reporting Activity Could Save a Bear

By Katey Fetch

It’s an early misty morning in Ouray, and the sun is just beginning to peek over the Amphitheater. Walking through alleys, large footprints are visible, alongside scattered trash and a tipped-over dumpster all telltale signs of bears searching for their next meal.

The aftermath is a familiar sight in Colorado mountain towns. Living in the mountains brings a unique set of experiences, from radiant natural beauty, mudslides, and wildfires to animal encounters. Unfortunately, when those encounters turn to conflicts, the consequences are often far worse for the animal than for the human. That was the case in Silverton this past weekend. 

Jon Livingston, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife information officer, shared the details of the incident with the Silverton Standard. The San Juan County Sheriff's Department recently responded to a call to report a bear attempting to break into a residence to reach attractants inside an enclosed porch. The department contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), whose officers determined that, based on the bear’s behavior and the circumstances of the incident, lethal removal was authorized.

That same evening, CPW captured two additional bears in traps near residences where the bears had previously gained entry into the occupied structures. Because it was determined the captured bears had already broken into the home, a significant escalation in behavior and a concern for human safety, CPW determined that the animals could not be safely released, and both were euthanized.

Decisions to euthanize wildlife are not made lightly, explained Jon Livingston of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. When bears become increasingly habituated to human food sources or enter homes, wildlife officials must weigh the welfare of the animal against the potential risk to the residents and the community.

A Difficult Year for Bears

This summer, due to several factors, residents have observed that bears are entering Silverton and neighboring communities earlier and more frequently than in years past.

Bears need to bulk up for the winter hibernation months, sometimes gaining 3-6 pounds per day, which requires a tremendous amount of food. Typically, hyperphagia, when bears start eating excessively, occurs in the fall; however, this year CPW has observed that for some bears it began as early as June.

When natural food sources are scarce, or the bears discover an easier, more calorie-rich alternative, and human food and trash become difficult to resist.  

Bryan Peterson, the Director of Bear Smart Durango, said current conditions are particularly challenging for bears right now.

 "It's really difficult for bears right now, especially for those hanging around at lower elevations. Bears will come more often into communities and residential areas in these poor natural food years, and if human foods are available, that will keep them there. This increases both the likelihood of bears becoming food-conditioned and the risk of unfortunate encounters with people, including bears breaking into vehicles and homes. Always best to have trash and other human foods secured and locked up, even more so now. Leave a buffet of food out for them, and you'll have bears, regardless of natural food conditions."

Due to environmental conditions, bears in Southwest Colorado are experiencing a second consecutive summer of having limited natural food sources. Although bears are naturally wary of humans, food scarcity can push them to take greater risks and venture into populated areas more frequently.

The bears euthanized following the recent Silverton incident were all older male bears, animals that, according to CPW, due to their older age, coming into town was something they mostly avoided in the past.

Peterson cautioned against describing the bear’s behavior as “aggressive”.

"It's a big risk for bears to come near people and homes. Bears are naturally wary of people and will typically avoid them at all costs. Aggressive isn't the right word. They're desperate - and will trade that natural wariness in exchange for human foods, most notably trash. Once they access human foods they can then become more bold in attempts to get more.”

Livingston also noted that with limited food, bears may act more territorial to protect found resources.

A Community Problem Requires a Community Solution

Bear problems are a community problem. One person securing their trash doesn’t accomplish little if the neighboring home, business, or alley provides an easy buffet.

Residents, business owners, and even visitors have a role to play in reducing attractants and preventing human-bear conflict, which can end in tragedy.

Restaurant dumpsters, unsecured trash, bird feeders, pet food, grills, and even compost can all attract bears. Once a bear successfully finds food, it can learn a dangerous lesson: people and communities mean food.  

Over time, with repeated access to human food, bears can become food-conditioned and increasingly comfortable around people. This can lead to property damage, home or vehicle break-ins, threats to human safety, and ultimately the bear’s removal or death.

Livingston noted that seemingly insignificant items can attract bears, including lip gloss and other scented products left inside vehicles.

One of the easiest things residents can do tonight is lock things up, he said. Lock vehicles, windows and doors, and do not rely on screen doors or fences to keep a determined bear out.

Even items that may not seem obvious can become targets. The author of this article recently discovered firsthand that an outdoor baby stroller was apparently interesting enough for a bear to investigate.

  Reporting a Bear Can Help Save It

Colorado Parks and Wildlife explained that Silverton residents are accustomed to sharing their community with wildlife. Seeing bear, moose, and foxes is part of living in San Juan County. But familiarity with wildlife as well as the assumption that lethal methods will be implemented can sometimes make people hesitant to report an animal passing through town.

CPW says that actually reporting bear activity is one of the best ways residents can help prevent a situation from escalating. CPW has several non-lethal hazing techniques available, including a canine team, to frighten bears out of populated areas and help them associate humans and human settlements with a negative experience. Reports also help wildlife officials identify patterns, track problem areas, and determine where communities may need additional assistance.

Livingston said residents can also use noise to scare bears away, such as setting off car alarms, air horns, and other methods. These techniques help bears stay out of town before things escalate.

What Can You Do Tonight

Report Bear Activity: Report bear activity in town to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Secure trash: Keep garbage in bear-resistant containers or in a secure building until collection day.

Secure dumpsters: Restaurant dumpsters seem to be one of the biggest draws for bears to come to Ouray. Keep lids closed and latched at all times. Prevent dumpsters from overflowing. Bag food waste securely and clean spills around the dumpster to reduce tempting scents. Train everyone to use the dumpster.

Never intentionally feed bears (or other wild animals): Feeding bears teaches them to associate people with food, which can lead to dangerous conflicts.

Remove other attractants: Secure or remove pet food, birdseed, compost, coolers, and even food wrappers.

Clean grills after use: Burn off food residue, clean grease traps, and store the grill securely when possible.

Lock Up: Keep windows and doors secure and locked. Bears can learn to enter homes, garages, sheds, and vehicles when they smell food inside.

Report violations: Report unsecured trash and other wildlife violations to the town.

Bears wandering our mountain town streets may be exciting to see, but when they begin associating towns with an easy meal, the consequences can become dangerous for people and bears alike.

Preventing that pattern is far easier, and far better for the bear, than trying to reverse it once it has learned that coming to town means a free lunch.

Redefine Success

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.