Bear Reports To CPW Increase From 2021; Trash Still No. 1 Source Of Conflicts

Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 4,282 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2022, which was a 16% increase from 2021, but a 1.3% decrease from the previous two years.

In 2019, CPW launched a new bear reporting system to help wildlife managers track and quantify bear activity and conflicts across the state. The data collected is used to see overall trends and identify sources of conflict on a local ized, regional and statewide level. Since its implementation in April 2019, CPW has recorded 18,351 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears, of which nearly onethird are traced back to bears getting into trash.

The data from the annual bear cycle informs CPW’s wildlife managers where bears are at and what they are up to, help ing CPW identify sources of conflict and make educated management decisions. If you see a bear causing trouble in an urban area, call CPW to report it.

In 2022, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 211326 with the goal of reducing humanbear conflicts. This bill provides funding for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and CPW, including $1 million for native species conservation, to be distributed to local communities.

“We need help from local communities to develop strategies to secure garbage and other attractants across bear habitat,” said Kristin Cannon, deputy regional manager for CPW's Northeast Region. “Ultimately, it will also require individuals to take some responsibility and follow proper guidelines on living appropriately with bears to protect them.”

Recapping bear reports from 2022

Bears attempting to access trash continues to be the leading cause of conflict. Other constant sources of conflict include birdfeeders, livestock, bears accessing open garages and other human-originated items that are left unsecured. These conflicts could all easily be reduced if the public takes some simple steps around their homes and properties to prevent bears from accessing them.

Drought conditions and other factors that may influence the availability of natural food crops for bears varies across the state, as does the behavior of people when it relates to human-bear interactions. Those all play a role in the bear activity that we see annually.

On the eastern side of the state, conflicts were relatively low despite a spring freeze that had CPW officials worried the wild berry and nut crop might be impacted. Fortunately, freezing temperatures were followed by a good amount of moisture, leading to plenty of natural forage for bears east of the Continental Divide. Compared to 2020 and 2021, CPW’s Southeast Region saw an 18% - safety concerns or before that animal's behavior escalates to a dangerous level which may require euthanization. In the last four years, CPW has relocated 272 bears from sites of conflict, but wildlife officers stress relocation is not a fix-all solution.

Below is the number of bears euthanized and relocated annually by CPW. The euthanization numbers released in prior years have been updated from what has been previously reported, as internal auditing each spring quantifies all sources of bear mortality in Colorado.

2022: 94 euthanized, 59 relocated

2021: 66 euthanized, 51 relocated

2020: 158 euthanized, 118 relocated

2019: 101 euthanized, 44 relocated

2018: 79 euthanized, 24 relocated

2017: 190 euthanized, 109 relocated them free of food odors: ammonia is effective. east Region saw a 6% decrease.

Keep garage doors closed, Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.

Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.

Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.

Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, haze it by yelling at it, throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off.

Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.

Clean the grill after each use, clean-up thoroughly after cookouts.

If you have fruit trees, don't allow the fruit to rot on the ground.

Talk to your neighbors and kids about being Bear Aware.

Cars, traveling and campsites: Lock your doors when you’re away from home and at night.

Colorado’s West Slope, especially CPW’s Northwest Region, was less fortunate. The late freeze held in that side of the state, leading to a food failure in most areas with natural berry and acorn crops being almost nonexistent. Compared to 2020 and 2021, CPW’s Southwest Region saw a 3% decrease in bear reports, but the Northwest Region, where much of the region was in severe drought, saw an increase of 9%.

Keep the bottom floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.

Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.

When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.

Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.

When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any food into your tent.

Report bear sightings and conflicts to CPW

One concern CPW is aware of from the public is a reluctance to report bear activity over a belief it will lead to the bear being put down. Data shows that of the 18,351 reports wildlife managers have received on bears in the last four years, only 2.3% led to euthanization.

When CPW is made aware, especially when conflicts first begin, wildlife officers can educate the community, make site visits to homes to help them secure attractants and can haze bears in an attempt to reinforce their natural fear of humans. In some circumstances, wildlife officers can attempt to relocate bears out of conflict areas to alleviate

2016: 66 euthanized, 16 relocated

2015: 115 euthanized, 40 relocated

Wildlife managers estimate that Colorado has between 17,000 - 20,000 bears and the population is stable and growing. The black bear is the only species of bear in the state, however these bruins can be brown, blond, cinnamon and black in color.

Become Bear Aware

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a reminder that by taking some simple precautions, you can avoid human/wildlife conflicts and help to keep bears wild.

Bear-proofing your home:

Keep garbage in a well-secured location. Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.

Clean garbage cans regularly to keep

Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

Protecting your chickens, bees, livestock:

Keep chickens, bees and livestock in a fully covered enclosure, especially at night.

Construct electric fencing when possible.

Don’t store livestock feed outside.

Keep enclosures clean to minimize animal odors.

Hang rags soaked in ammonia and/or Pine-Sol around the enclosure as a scent deterrent.

What’s Happening At The Estes Valley Library

Winter Hours

Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sundays, 1-5 p.m.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

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Love Your Local Authors Festival

Saturday, February 25, 1-4 p.m., Fireside Theater

The Love Your Local Authors Festival is back for its sixth year! Interact with local authors as they showcase their work.

The House of Eve:

Author Talk with Sadeqa Johnson

Tuesday, February 28, 2-3 p.m., online

Hear from the highly acclaimed author of Yellow Wife, Sadeqa Johnson, about her new novel, The House of Eve. Presented with the Library Speakers Consortium.

Book Club for Mortals: Smoke Gets

In Your Eyes & Other Lessons From The Crematory

Thursday, March 9, 10-11:30 a.m., Wasson Room & online

Back by popular demand, this book club about end-of-life issues and our shared mortality begins with the best-selling memoir of mortician Caitlin Doughty.

ALL AGES

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Young Chautauqua Club

Tuesdays through April 4, 3:455:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Research the life, words, and mannerisms of a historical character, culminating in a live, costumed performance. All ages welcome.

Build a Birdhouse

Saturday, February 25, 2:30-4 p.m., Makerspace

Welcome a new neighbor this spring! Craft and paint a birdhouse from an easy-to-assemble wooden kit.

Adults

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AARP Tax-Aide

Appointments available through April 14, Wasson Room

Volunteers will provide free tax return services at the Estes Valley Library. Schedule your appointment at estesvalleylibrary.org or by calling 970-5868116.

Safe & Efficient Use of Your Wood Burning Appliance

Friday, February 24, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Learn about best practices for safe and efficient indoor wood burning in this seminar about the EPA Burn Wise Program. Presented in collaboration with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District and the Town of Estes Park.

Film Screening: Won’t You Be My Neighbor

Friday, February 24, 2-3:30 p.m., Hondius Room

Enjoy a free showing of Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a documentary examining the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.

TEENS & KIDS

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Book vs. Movie Club: A Dog’s Purpose

Saturday, February 25, 12:30-2:45 p.m., Hondius Room

Monthly meeting for tweens and teens who would like to recommend ideas for library programming, future teen space design, and collection purchases for their age group.

Makerspace Crafternoon: Crochet a Bee

Saturday, March 4, 2-3:30 p.m., Makerspace

Bzz! Get into the spring spirit by crocheting a tiny bee.

Solder a Spinning Top Thursday, March 9, 5-6 p.m., Makerspace Learn how to solder, then take home your own

Saturday, February 25, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

For ages 15 and up. Sign up at estesvalleylibrary.org.

Open Crafts: Play with Clay

Friday, March 3, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Makerspace

Get your hands dirty and create a vessel or figure out of clay! Drop in any time during the library’s open hours.

Learn the Laser Cutter

Saturday, March 4, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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Open Crafts: Unfinished Objects

Sunday, March 5, 1-4:45 p.m., Makerspace

Check an item or two off of your to-do list: use the tools and supplies in the Makerspace to sew a button on a shirt, mend a tear, glue pottery back together, or whatever else you’ve been meaning to wrap up.

Open Crafts: Scrapbooking

Monday, March 6, 10 a.m.-7:45 p.m., Makerspace

Use our scrapbooking supplies and books to catalog your memories. Bring your own photos and memorabilia!

Open Crafts: Button Maker

Tuesday, March 7, 10 a.m.-7:45 p.m., Makerspace

Need a new button for your backpack or jacket, or for your campaign for President? Stop by the Makerspace and try out our button maker. All supplies provided.

Open Crafts: Cameo Silhouette & Heat Press

Wednesday, March 8, 10 a.m.-7:45 p.m., Makerspace

Personalize your own tote bag or zippered pouch with the Silhouette Cameo, heat press, and heat transfer vinyl.

Open Crafts: Cricut & Handmade Cards

Friday, March 10, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Makerspace

Book or movie—which did you like best? We’ll discuss the book, then watch the movie adaptation. Pizza and drinks provided.

Robotics & Tech: Build a Lego Neighborhood

Tuesday, February 28, 5-6 p.m., Wasson Room

Get creative and test your architecture skills: use Legos to construct an entire neighborhood.

Artwork Wednesday: Candle Making

Wednesday, March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Makerspace

Experiment with different art mediums and styles as you craft your own candles.

Teen Advisory Council

Thursday, March 2, 6-7 p.m., Hondius Room spinning top. For ages 10 & up.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Library Storytimes

Baby Storytime: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10 a.m.

Preschoolers: Thurs., Fri., & Sat. at 10:30 a.m.

Read to Therapy Dog “Annie”: Wed., March 1 at 6 p.m.

Read to Therapy Dog “Bo”: Tues., March 7 at 10 a.m.

Pajama Storytime with Nancy Bell: Wed., March 8 at 6 p.m.

Storybook Explorers: Sat., March 11 at 11:15 a.m. MAKER-MARCH Learn

Use the Cricut cutter and embosser, paper puncher, edging scissors, and more to make custom cards and restock your stationery supply.

LEGAL SELF-HELP

Free Legal Self-Help Clinic

Wednesday, March 8, 2-5 p.m.

One-on-one legal advice for library patrons who do not have a personal attorney. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling 970-5868116. More information at estesvalleylibrary.org/legalclinic.

Friends Of The Library Foundation

Cliffhanger Used Books

Cliffhanger Used Books, located next to the post office, is operated by the Friends of the Library Foundation, offering gently-used books, movies, and music at discount prices. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In the Bible, David, at a low point in his life, cried out: “Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.”

As we look around us, anguished cries are being heard on every hand. We hear it from the 17.7 million needing humanitarian assistance in the Ukraine following the unending onslaught of Russian attacks. We hear it from the 13 million people in Turkey needing housing, medical, psychological and other help in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that has taken the lives of upward of 41,000 residents there.

As we are hearing reports of these massive tragedies, we are bombarded with those much smaller cries that fall on our ears. Single or small groups of individuals who have been discriminated against or mistreated by others, who cry out for ‘justice’, ‘reparations’, ‘fundraisers’, and the like, to make their pain go away. And, in addition to those needs of human beings, we have the pleas for abandoned dogs and cats and horses and ??? My purpose is not to focus on the rightness or wrongness of any of these needs…society and consciences will do that, I just want to note with each of us the magnitude of those needs around us and what we can and should do in light of them.

In each case, regardless of the amount of attention and help that is received, there is often the feeling, like that of David, “No one cares for my life!” I knew a couple in Longmont years ago, who wrestled with this sense of ‘abandonment’. They had a chronically-ill son for whom they were constantly seeking help from their friends, their church…everyone who would listen to their sad story. When people did not have ‘their need’ on the top of their list…they would cry David’s cry, “No one cares!!!” During that time I took our membership list and analyzed each of the 125 family units. Of those families I found that, all but three, had: a serious health concern, a concerning job situation, a serious family relationship struggle, or serious financial struggle, they were dealing with. One day when the man met me on the street and began his ‘no one cares’ grievance, I happened to have the list of our membership (unnamed) families’ challenges in my pocket. I, unsympathetically, handed it to him and said: “Read this!” Haltingly, he said, “I didn’t know.” I continued, “And that’s why all can’t be there just for your family!” He not only quit complaining, he began to reach out to others to help in their plights. We need to evaluate ‘our’ needs in light of all the other needs in our world and prioritize them, when we disseminate our help.

But my main thought as I considered writing this was, “what happens when our ‘caring ability’ runs out?” As I field requests from cancer hospitals, children homes, earthquake and war sites, First Nation reservations, and racial-injustice needs, how do I deal with the magnitude of such? We are overwhelmed, aren’t we? And with that, there are feelings that we wrestle with. We often feel ‘massive guilt’ if we don’t rally to ‘that’ cause. Jesus said of one woman, “She did what she could!” We need to evaluate what we ‘can’ do…and do it, and not feel guilty about what we cannot do....despite, sometimes often, efforts of program supporters, to make us experience such.

We also need to avoid the temptation to rationalize away our responsibility. I’ve heard people say, flippantly, “Well, Jesus said, ‘the poor you will have with you always’”, using that as a reason not to help the man or woman holding a ‘Please help’ sign on the corner, as if that meant ‘since we can’t meet all the needs, we don’t have to meet any.’

Jesus had much more to say that can help us. He said, “He that is faithful in little, will be faithful in much and he that is unfaithful in little will be unfaithful in much.” He also said, “When people hear ‘I am hungry, thirsty, need clothes, and have other needs’ and ignore those needs, we are failing to minister to Christ Himself…and such selfish and unfaithful stewards of what God has blessed us with, may experience a dire end: “These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) John, God’s Apostle of love, wrote: “Whoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother’s need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?” (I John 3:17)

Most of us have been truly blessed…let’s be faithful, doing what we can. Bob