Rangers: Beware of waking bears

BOULDER – Rangers with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks want to remind residents that bears may be on the prowl.

Rangers say the recent warm weather has brought bears out of hibernation.

They are now foraging for food and could wander into areas with homes.

If one encounters a bear, rangers recommend the following:

• Never run. Running can make a bear chase you. • Keep your distance. Back slowly away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact. • Gather children around you and leash your dog. • Slowly and calmly leave the area. Talk aloud in a low voice so the bear will be aware of your presence. • Never throw food to distract a bear. • Fight back if attacked. Black bears have been driven away when people fight with rocks, sticks, binoculars or even bare hands. • Report any bear sightings by calling 911 or the Bear Hotline at 720-564-2020.

It is also recommended that residents store trash cans in a garage or shed and not place trash out for curbside pickup until the morning of pickup.

For more information on bears and OSMP, visit www.osmp.org or call 303-441-3440.