Durango City Council Approves Electric Fencing, Bear Mats

New permitting process established for wildlife deterrence equipment within city limits

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Durango City Council voted unanimously to approve ordinances establishing standards and a permit process for electric fences and bear 'unwelcome' mats within city limits. The new rules include a $50 permit fee, safety and placement requirements, and shared enforcement between the Community Development Department and Durango Police Department.

Why it matters

The move comes in response to growing concerns about human-bear conflicts in the region, with over 750 trash-related incidents reported in La Plata County in 2025 and 17 black bears euthanized. Electric fences and bear mats are seen as an effective and humane way to deter wildlife from accessing food sources and human spaces, protecting both people and animals.

The details

Under the new ordinances, electric fences would require barrier fences around them and be permitted only in side yards and backyards, not front yards. Bear mats would be allowed on front porches more than 20 feet from the street or sidewalk, with the same restrictions. The city will permit only commercially available equipment with up to 10,000 volts and 2 joules of energy. Community Development consulted with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Bear Smart Durango in developing the standards.

  • Durango City Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinances on February 10, 2026.
  • The council is scheduled to take a final vote on the ordinances at their February 17, 2026 meeting.

The players

Durango City Council

The governing body of the city of Durango, Colorado that voted unanimously to approve the new ordinances for electric fencing and bear mats.

Daniel Murray

The development services manager for Durango's Community Development Department, who proposed the 'medium allowance' regulations for the wildlife deterrence equipment.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The state agency that Durango's Community Development Department consulted with in developing the proposed standards for electric fences and bear mats.

Bear Smart Durango

The local organization that Durango's Community Development Department consulted with and that will aid the city in creating educational materials about the new permit process.

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What they’re saying

“Electric fences are an effective and humane deterrent for wildlife. They create a negative association with human spaces. The goal is to keep wildlife wild and a safer environment where there are fewer interactions between humans and wildlife.”

— Daniel Murray, Development Services Manager, Durango Community Development Department (durangoherald.com)

“The most effective way to prevent conflict is physical prevention. If bears can't access the food, they don't return. ... That protects people and it protects bears.”

— Sandhya Atkinson, Former Professional Facilitator, La Plata County Bear Working Group (durangoherald.com)

What’s next

The Durango City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the ordinances establishing the electric fencing and bear mat permit process at their February 17, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

Durango's new regulations on electric fencing and bear mats represent a proactive approach to addressing the growing issue of human-bear conflicts in the region, utilizing effective and humane deterrents to protect both people and wildlife.