ASPEN — Despite the fact winter continues to linger, bears are coming out of hibernation and searching for food.
Four bear sightings — two each at Lazy Glen and the Old Snowmass Conoco area — were reported to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office in April. Altogether, the county received six bear calls in April this year, said Pitkin County Animal Safety Director ReRe Baker. One of those calls came from the Aspen Business Center where a bear was found in an unlocked vehicle, reports.
In April 2015, the county only documented one bear call, but the change from one year to the next doesn’t necessarily mean more bears are out this year, Baker said.
It’s just a matter of who sees what and who decides to call, she said.
and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials long have worked to encourage a peaceful coexistence as human population growth and development intrude on bear habitat.
State wildlife officials strongly support efforts by residents, hikers and business owners to be careful with garbage, using bear-proof containers, and make noise to keep bears wary.
