We build our homes in the mountains and we interface with many species of wild life including the black bear. As noted in a brochure from Colorado Parks & Wildlife; “Black” is a species, not a color. In Colorado many black bears are blond, cinnamon or brown.
Problems arise when bears learn that there are easily attainable food sources “trash cans, bird feeders, pet food, ect. in residential areas. Bears have an acute sense of smell and in their pursuit of food might break into buildings or homes as they become more comfortable in residential environments. Unfortunately many of these bears will ultimately have to be euthanized if they keep returning to residential areas.
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and CPW are concerned with the coming season and the potential for more frequent encounters with bears in non-traditional and unexpected areas. Due to dry conditions in many areas of Colorado, the early spring food sources are diminishing for the bears. In the summer months much of their food comes from mountain nuts and berries. If these items are in low supply they will turn to the valley floors in search of food for their long winter hibernation.
There are many tips provided by Colorado Parks & Wildlife they average homeowner can follow to minimize the possibility of a direct encounter with a bear, available on their website at cpw.state.co.us/bears
- NEVER intentionally feed a bear! It is illegal, unethical and can lead to human injuries and the death of the bear.
- Keep garbage secured; put it out only the morning of pick-up
- Bears can smell food MILES away. Freeze items that might become smelly until trash day
- Keep trash in a secure building or in a bear-resistant trash cans, available from your trash hauler or on the internet. Note; An open dumpster is not a “bear secure” trash container
- If bears are present, remove all bird feeders, including humming bird feeders
- Secure odorous compost piles in an enclosure. Do not put fruit and vegetables in compost piles
- Pick fruit early; don’t allow fruit to rot on the ground
- Clean up after picnics in the yard or on the deck. Don’t allow food odors to linger
- If you attract bears to your residence, that will cause problems for the whole neighborhood
- Do not keep food in your vehicle. Keep your vehicle windows rolled up and doors locked
- Don’t leave pet food outside; don’t leave pet dishes outside
- Don’t feed wildlife such as deer, turkeys, raccoons, chipmunks-that can eventually attract larger predators, including lions and bears
- Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware
- Lock doors and close bottom floor windows when you’re not home. Keep garage doors closed
- If a bear enters your home, open doors and do not get between the bear and it escape route
- If you see a bear in your neighborhood, immediately make it feel uncomfortable by shouting, banging pots and pans or other hazing methods from a distance. Never tolerate a bear in residential areas.
- If the bear does not show fear of people, call CPW immediately-waiting too long can lead to furtherhabituation of that bear, making a successful relocation more difficult.
In Garfield County you can call CPW at 970-647-2920 or 970-255-6100 or in an emergency you can contact Colorado State Patrol or call 911.
Adopted by Garfield County
- Drivers must be 16 years old
- Drivers must possess liability insurance
- Vehicles cannot exceed 35 mph, or the posted speed limit, whichever is less
- Drivers must wear eye protection
- Ohvs must have at least one functioning light on the front and a tail light on the back
- Both passengers and drivers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
BEFORE A WILDFIRE THREATENS YOU
IN AND AROUND YOUR HOUSE
- Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
- Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website.
- Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
- Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your homes foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
- Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
- Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
- Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
- Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
- Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
- Enclose under-eve and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
- Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications and personal identification.
- Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.
- Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place.
For more information go to: GrandValleyFire.org
- Drivers must be 16 years old
- Drivers must possess liability insurance
- Vehicles cannot exceed 35 mph, or the posted speed limit, whichever is less
- Drivers must wear eye protection
- Ohvs must have at least one functioning light on the front and a tail light on the back
- Both passengers and drivers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet
- How old do i need to be to buy marijuana in colorado?
- To purchase, possess or consume pot in colorado, you must be 21 years old and show a government issued id such as a driver’s license or a passport that proves your age.
- How much pot can i purchase at one time?
- Adults 21 and older can purchase and possess up to one (1) ounce of retail marijuana at one time.
- What about medical marijuana?
- Medical marijuana can only be obtained by colorado residents with a doctor’s prescription and a state issued red card. If you are from out of state, you will need to purchase your marijuana at a licensed retail outlet.
- What about edibles?
- The effects of marijuana peak up to four hours after eating or drinking it. Wait at least that long before consuming more.
- Can i smoke marijuana in public?
- No, marijuana is still illegal under federal law; lighting up in public could earn you a hefty fine and even jail time.
- Public space includes: amusement parks; ski resorts; sporting and music venues; parks; playgrounds; sidewalks and roads; marijuana retail businesses; outdoor and rooftop cafes.
- Where can i smokemarijuana?
- The best place to smoke is at a private residence. and be aware, landlords, businesses, hotels and other facilities don’t have to allow marijuana use ontheir properties-always check first.
- Driving?
- By law, drivers with 5 nanograms of active thc per milliliter of blood are considered to be driving impaired and can be prosecuted for a dui.
- Start slow
- Marijuana affects everybody differently, and varying doses, strains and forms can lead to different lengths and strengths of impairment. If you are unsure of how marijuana will affect you. Start with a low dose.
- Using alcohol and marijuana at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment that either one alone. Use both with caution, and remember it’s not a good idea to combine them.
For more information go to: goodtoknowcolorado.com
More Questions
Contact us at 970-285-7630