Living With Bears in the Colorado Foothills

Bears and the Front Range

Colorado's black bear population — estimated at 17,000 to 20,000 animals — lives throughout the foothills and mountains that define the western edge of the Front Range. Communities like Evergreen, Golden, Morrison, Boulder, Lyons, and Estes Park sit directly in active bear territory. Even lower-elevation suburbs in Jefferson and Boulder counties see regular bear activity, particularly in late summer and fall when bears are eating aggressively to build fat reserves before winter.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) receives thousands of bear-related reports every year. In 2025 alone, CPW received over 5,200 reports statewide. Trash was the leading factor in more than half of all conflicts. Bears that find food near homes — even once — tend to come back. A bear with a memory of an easy meal is a bear that may eventually need to be relocated or euthanized. The phrase used by CPW and wildlife managers is blunt: a fed bear is a dead bear.

When Bears Are Active

Colorado black bears emerge from dens in mid-March and are active through early November. They are not strictly nocturnal — while they often travel at night to avoid people, you can encounter one at any time of day. Activity peaks in late summer and fall during hyperphagia, a period of compulsive overeating when bears consume up to 20,000 calories per day to prepare for hibernation. This is when bear-human conflicts spike. Nearly half of all annual bear incidents in Colorado occur in August, September, and October.

What Attracts Bears to Yards

Bears have a sense of smell roughly 100 times more sensitive than a human's. They can detect food odors from several miles away. The most common attractants found near Front Range homes include:

• Trash and recycling — the single leading cause of bear conflicts. Trash left outside overnight or in unsecured containers is a reliable bear draw.
• Bird feeders — black oil sunflower seed and suet are calorie-dense and extremely attractive to bears. CPW recommends bringing feeders inside from April through November.
• Pet food — food or bowls left outside, even briefly, can attract bears.
• Grills and smokers — grease residue is enough. Clean and store them after every use.
• Fruit trees and gardens — ripe fruit on trees or fallen to the ground is a significant attractant. Pick fruit before it drops.
• Compost bins — meat scraps and food waste in open bins will draw bears. Use bear-resistant composters or keep bins indoors.
• Vehicle interiors — never leave food, coolers, or anything with a food odor in an unlocked vehicle.

What to Do If a Bear Enters Your Yard

Most yard encounters are brief. A bear following its nose will investigate and leave if there's nothing to reward the visit. If a bear enters your yard:

• Stay calm. Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
• Make yourself appear large. Raise your arms, open your jacket, stand upright.
• Speak in a firm, calm voice. Yell, clap, or use an air horn to discourage the bear.
• Give the bear a clear escape route — don't corner it or block its path.
• Never approach a bear, especially one feeding or with cubs.
• Get pets and children inside immediately.

If the bear is acting aggressively, has entered a structure, or poses a direct threat to people or livestock, call 911. For non-emergency situations — a bear in the yard, repeated visits, or property damage — contact your local CPW office during business hours.

Bear-Proofing Your Property

The most effective prevention is removing attractants before bears find them. Practical steps for Front Range homeowners:

• Store trash inside a garage or shed until collection morning. If that's not possible, use a CPW-approved bear-resistant container.
• Remove bird feeders from April through November, or switch to hummingbird feeders (which bears rarely target).
• Feed pets indoors. If you must feed outside, bring bowls in immediately after feeding.
• Clean your grill thoroughly after every use. Store it in an enclosed space if possible.
• Pick ripe fruit promptly and clean up fallen fruit daily.
• Keep garage doors, windows, and ground-floor doors locked, especially at night.
• Talk to your neighbors. Bear-proofing works best when done block-by-block, not just property by property.

When to Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife

CPW handles bear conflicts across the state. Their general guidance: contact them when a bear has caused property damage, entered a structure, shows no fear of humans, or poses a direct risk to safety. CPW's District Wildlife Managers work with communities on conflict prevention and can provide guidance specific to your area.

CPW offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hours emergencies involving an immediate threat to human safety, call 911 to reach the Colorado State Patrol or your county sheriff.

Colorado's Two-Strike Policy

Colorado uses a two-strike management system for bears that cause conflicts. A bear that is relocated after a first offense is tagged. If it causes a second conflict, it is typically euthanized. This policy exists because food-conditioned bears rarely stop seeking human food sources — relocation alone is not a permanent solution. Every time a neighborhood fails to secure attractants, it contributes to a bear's path toward euthanization. Prevention is genuinely about protecting the bears, not just the property.