Colorado Parks and Wildlife Shares Tips to Stay Safe from Bears

As bears wake up from hibernation, officials urge residents to eliminate potential attractants in their yards

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a bright blue bear-proof trash can against a neon pink background, conceptually representing the importance of proper waste management in coexisting safely with bears.As Colorado residents prepare for increased bear activity, securing trash and eliminating other potential attractants is crucial to preventing dangerous encounters.Colorado Springs Today

With bears emerging from their winter slumbers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is reminding residents living along the Front Range to be aware of potential bear attractants in their yards and take steps to deter the animals. CPW advises securing trash, removing bird feeders, and not leaving pet food outside to prevent bears from wandering into neighborhoods.

Why it matters

As the wildland urban interface expands, encounters between bears and humans are becoming more common. By educating residents on how to bear-proof their homes and yards, CPW aims to prevent conflicts that could lead to dangerous situations or the relocation/euthanasia of bears.

The details

CPW wildlife officer Travis Sauder says the most important step is for residents to be aware of anything in their yards that could attract bears, such as unsecured trash, bird feeders, and pet food. Trash should be stored indoors or in bear-proof cans, and bird feeders should only be hung during the day and brought inside at night. Sauder also advises against feeding pets outside, as the leftover food can lure bears. If a bear does wander into a neighborhood, Sauder recommends making loud noises to discourage the animal and slowly backing away.

  • As spring approaches, bears are starting to emerge from their winter dens and become more active.
  • The Front Range region, where many residents live in close proximity to natural bear habitats, is considered the "wildland urban interface."

The players

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)

The state agency responsible for managing Colorado's wildlife and natural resources, including providing guidance to residents on how to coexist safely with bears.

Travis Sauder

A wildlife officer for CPW who advises residents on steps to take to prevent bear encounters in their neighborhoods.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The biggest thing is regardless of where you live, just being aware of any of those things that might attract wildlife to your yard.”

— Travis Sauder, Wildlife Officer, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

“One thing that we recommend is a little rattle can, which is just an empty soda can filled about half full with rocks and that metal clanking sound and you can throw it at them kind of just discourages them from being around.”

— Travis Sauder, Wildlife Officer, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

What’s next

CPW is urging residents to report any bear sightings to their local office, which helps the agency track the animals' locations and behavior.

The takeaway

As the human-bear interface continues to expand, proactive steps by residents to eliminate potential food sources and deter bears from entering neighborhoods can help prevent dangerous encounters and protect both people and wildlife.