Bear season ramping up as need for food kicks in for winter

Their instinct is to eat—a lot

As we head into fall, it is traditionally bear season. The bruins take this time of year to pile on the calories in anticipation of a long winter’s hibernation. But in the town of Crested Butte at least, the last few weeks have been pretty quiet. No one expects it to stay that way.

“It seems we are in a bit of a lull but people can’t let their guard down,” said Crested Butte Chief Marshal Tom Martin. “This is the time of year the bears need to pack on the pounds. I expect between now and into October, we will be seeing plenty of bear activity.”
Colorado Parks and Wildlife area wildlife manager J Wenum said that given the backcountry conditions, he expects bears to be out and about for weeks.
“What I have seen is that the backcountry food sources are pretty lean,” Wenum said. “There are fewer acorns and berries out there this year and the ones that are there are probably half the size of what we would expect this time of year.
“The bears are still active so we need everyone to continue to take preventive measures,” Wenum said. “Keep your trash locked up and don’t leave birdfeeders out. Close the windows in your homes and doors.”
Up in Mt. Crested Butte, a bear cub was killed in a freak accident Tuesday morning when it got into an industrial Dumpster and the lid fell on its head, breaking its neck and killing it.
Mt. Crested Butte Police Chief Hank Smith said a bear broke into a car in Crested Butte South Monday night. It broke a back window in an apparent attempt to get to food left in the vehicle.
“It is the time of year when they need to fatten up,” said Smith. “They know instinctively they need to consume a lot of calories right now or they won’t make it through the winter. So they will be very active. We do expect bear activity to increase as we head into autumn because there has not been much food in the wild and the bruins need to start consuming around 20,000 calories a day in preparation for hibernation.
“A sow and three cubs have been cruising the Dumpsters in Mt. Crested Butte,” Smith continued. “Bears can get into any Dumpsters that aren’t thoroughly secured. Residents are reminded to stay clear as a sow is never far from her cubs and will come running at a cub’s first call. We have not had bears enter homes on which all doors and windows are locked or latched.”
Wenum said there are bear reports consistently coming out of Oh Be Joyful campground. In fact, any campground is likely an attractant to a hungry bear.
Martin said his officers do what they need to in order to try to chase bears out of town.
Smith said people shouldn’t be surprised to run across a bear this time of year, so everyone needs to remember that they are powerful wild animals.
“Please continue to be diligent with trash, birdfeeders and pet food. Keep everything securely stored in a bear-resistant container and sturdy storage facility. Do not leave food or food wrappers of any kind in your vehicle. Bears tend to travel a consistent route looking for food. Once they find food available at a home or Dumpster, the location will be marked on their route. Being consistent with removing food and trash will help to undo a stop on the route. Close and lock windows and doors on any level that can be reached by a bear. Bears are very good climbers and decks and trees provide easy access to upper-level windows.”
Smith also said it might take an effort to discourage a bear that has a scent of food. He recommended that if a bear gets close to your home, loud noises like clapping, yelling or blasting an air horn will scare most bears away. If a bear enters your home or a building, exit the building and leave the door open. Call 911 as soon as possible. Never trap a bear inside a building.
“The DOW recently had an instance near Lake City where a camper was attacked through his tent and escaped to beat off the bear with a branch. He had both his arms lacerated in the process. People in the north end of the county have seemingly grown comfortable around the many bears roaming the area, but everyone needs to keep in mind they are very powerful animals and unpredictable. If you leave them food, they will come,” Smith promised.
For additional information about how to keep bears wild, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife Website www.wildlife.state.co.us/bears.