Itโs spring time and that means the black bears of Colorado are waking up. The state has a population between 17,000 and 20,000 black bears with most living in the western, mountainous half of the state. The animals enter hibernation between mid-September and and late-November following a phase of hyperphagia when they consume up to 20,000 calories per day.
Black bears in Colorado tend to emerge from their dens beginning in mid-March after losing between 15% and 40% of their body weight throughout the winter. As one could imagine, this leaves them quite hungry and ready to feed after a long hibernation.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning Colorado residents and visitors to be aware of waking bears, specifically asking that people lock up their cars following an incident that occurred on Wednesday in Evergreen. A black bear managed to get into a car, rip apart the side panels, airbags, and dash before officers were able to respond and get the bear out. While itโs not clear what attracted the bear, it seems clear that there was something smelly that caught the animalโs nose.
Believe it or not, bears can learn to open vehicles if theyโre unlocked. Even if you think your car is completely free of stinky attractants, you should always lock up your car if your in bear territory. Read more on black bear vehicle safety in Colorado below:
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Guidelines For Leaving Your Vehicles In Bear Territory:
- Donโt leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners or anything that smells (makeup, lotion, sunscreen) in your vehicle.
- Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle. Bears can learn to open unlocked vehicles.
