PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. — A Pagosa Springs family that went outside to enjoy their deck last month hear strange huffing and moaning noises underneath and found what state wildlife officials called a "giant" bear.
The male bear was more than 10 years old and weighed about 400 pounds. The bear has been known in the area for several years because it likes to get into non-natural food sources, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
CPW Officers Cody Rarick and Nate Martinez tranquilized the bear and tried to get it out from under the deck, but that proved a challenge. They enlisted the help of several bystanders to get the bear out and into a truck.
Eventually, the officers got the bear to a more ideal habitat, far from humans, and released it.
Tips to prevent human/bear conflicts
- Keep garbage in a well-secured enclosure.
- Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup; bring empty cans back inside before dark.
- Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster. These are available online or from your trash hauler.
- Clean all garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free. The scent of ammonia can deter bears.
- Take down all bird feeders. Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Birds have naturally available food sources during the spring, summer and fall. Don’t let your bird feeder become a bear feeder.
- Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside – never provide food sources for any wildlife.
- Install and test your electric fencing to protect your chicken coops, bee hives or even livestock enclosures.
- Clean all BBQ grills.
- Keep garage doors and windows closed and locked, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Don’t leave attractants such as snacks, food wrappers, gum, or even scented hand lotions in your car; and always lock vehicle doors.
- Use bear boxes or bear-proof containers for food and scented items when camping.
- Don't leave food outside while camping. If bear boxes aren't available, buy your own bear canister or leave all food in the trunk of a locked vehicle as your last resort.
- Buy an air horn or bear spray. These tools are good to have whether for your home or if you go hiking and camping. They can help haze bears away.
- Review CPW’s Bearproofing Your Home Fact Sheet and conduct a home audit to be sure you are not attracting bears to your property.
- Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware.
For more information, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.
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