ASPEN, Colo.—The Aspen area had a lot fewer bear problems this year than last, and officials say abundant natural food is the main reason.
The Aspen Times reports that two problem bears were killed by state wildlife officers this in Pitkin County this year, compared with 20 last year. Only one bear had to be relocated, compared with 33 last year.
Aspen police say that as of Tuesday, they responded to 47 calls involving bears breaking into homes, rummaging through trash or similar incidents, compared with more than 700 last year.
Randy Hampton of the Colorado Division of Wildlife says berry and acorn production was good this year, so bears had plenty of food without foraging in trash cans or breaking in to houses.
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Information from: The Aspen Times,
