Don't feed the bears: Bear-resistant trash cans

Last year the City of Boulder adopted a new city ordinance that requires trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within Boulder. Residents within the secure trash implementation zone, including students living in rental units, should be provided with retrofitted bear-resistant trash cans/carts from their trash disposal company.

Enforcement of the new ordinance began in fall 2014, and unsecured trash can potentially lead to a $250 fine to property owners or tenants for failing to utilize approved bear resistant trash cans.

The ordinance outlines the protected area at the city’s western and southern borders for all properties west of Broadway to the south of Sumac Avenue. Click here for a full map of the secure trash regulation zone, information about the ordinance and for approved bear-resistant trash cans.

To report a bear sighting in your neighborhood contact the Boulder Police non-emergency line at 303-441-3333.

For general inquiries contact the Urban Wildlife Coordinator at 303-441-3004.

It’s also important that students, faculty, staff and the larger Boulder community become familiar with bear safety tips. Click here to visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Among the tips:

• Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.
• Be responsible about trash and bird feeders.
• Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors.
• If you see a bear on campus, call 911. Stand still, stay calm and let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately.

File Photo courtesy of The Daily Camera.