BOULDER, Colo. — The arrival of spring means more than just warming temperatures and budding flowers. You may start to see increased bear activity along the Front Range too.
As bears come out of hibernation, they are more likely to come into town looking for food. And those who find it may stay there. This increases their risk of getting hit by a vehicle, electrocuted on power poles, ingesting chemicals and losing their natural fear of people, according to a press release from the city of Boulder.
To avoid these problems, city staff are asking residents of Boulder to ensure their trash containers are locked, as is city ordinance. The containers must be in working condition.
Does yours need replacing? If you’re a Western Disposal customer, call 303-444-2037 and request one. They are usually replaced within 24 hours. If you’re a One-Way Trash or Republic customer and purchased the container, you are responsible for the repairs or replacement.
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Livestock can also attract bears. The number of goats attacked by bears in the past two years has increased, the city said. Residents are encouraged to keep their goats, chickens, bees and other animals in secure, safe locations.
To learn more about bears in Boulder, visit the city’s website here.