It is now October which means fall foliage, autumnal beverages, and lots and lots of pumpkins! However, to our resident bears, October is prime time to pack in some final calories before slowing down for the winter. Bears are still very active in our community and pumpkins are an excellent food source. Please do not place pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns outside as they will attract bears. Bears have already been reported going door-to-door foraging for porch pumpkins.
Remember that Snowmass Village is in prime black bear habitat. Residents are encouraged to be bear aware and minimize the risk of bear-human interactions. Human-bear conflicts will increase when residents make food sources available to bears in and around their homes. Trash, recycling, and compost bins are major attractants for foraging bears. Pet food, bird feeders, and outdoor cooking equipment such as grills and barbecues also attract bears to the home. Black bears are curious, intelligent, and very resourceful; they will explore all possible food sources. Residents also should not leave their garage doors open, even during the day, as items commonly stored in a garage may attract a bear. If a bear finds food in an open garage, it will investigate. When a human encounters a bear in a garage, the bear may feel cornered and cause injury to both parties.
[Image Source: WVLT]
