Evergreen Meadows Homeowners Association

BEAR TIPS

Nov 04, 1999

Excerpt from News From The Colorado Division of Wildlife

If you come face to face with a bear, remember every situation is different with respect to the bear, the terrain, the people and their activity. In most cases, bears will detect you first and will leave the area.

If you meet a bear:

* Stay calm. If you see a bear that hasn't seen you, calmly leave the area. As you move away, talk aloud to let the bear discover your presence.

* Stop. Back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact as bears may perceive this as a threat. Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Wild bears rarely attack people unless they feel threatened or provoked.

* If on a trail, step off of it on the downhill side and slowly leave the area. Don't run or make any sudden movements. Running is likely to prompt the bear to chase and you can't outrun a bear. Do not attempt climbing trees to escape black bears. This may stimulate the bear to follow and pull you out by the foot. Stand your ground on the ground.

* Speak softly. This may reassure the bear that no harm is meant to it. Try not to show fear.

* If you encounter a female black bear with cubs, move away from the cub(s); be on the lookout for other cubs.

* Fight back if a black bear attacks you. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and their bare hands.

People living in bear country are advised to use bear-proof trash containers, empty garbage cans regularly, clean garbage cans periodically and feed their pets inside.

Also:

* Clean grills of grease and store them inside.

* Fence in any beehives you might have.

* Bring in bird feeders at night.

Keep in mind that most bears sighted in residential areas within bear habitat don't cause damage. If a bear doesn't find abundant food, it will move on.

You can learn more about black bears in the Division's brochure, "Living With Wildlife in Bear Country." It's available at no charge from Division service centers and many sporting good stores.

Bear-Proof Trash Cans are available at Western container, 640 Baseline Road, Brighton, CO 303-659-5095.