Beware: Bear season arrived early

Zoom in: Being set next to the foothills means Boulder sees a lot of bear activity, especially in western areas of the city.

• The city of Boulder requires bear-resistant trash containers west of Broadway and south of Sumac Avenue.
• Bear-resistant containers are also required everywhere in the city if trash and compost are put out the night before pickup.

Yes, but: Boulder officials said sightings east of Broadway have been increasing in recent years and recommend residents in those areas consider bear-resistant containers even though they are not required by law to have them.

What they're saying: Wildlife officials are urging Coloradans to lock up their trash and take down their bird feeders through November. If a bear finds an easy meal in your driveway, it's more likely to stick around — and that's when problems start.

• Livestock, fruit trees and beehives can also attract bears.

• Be sure to remove food from cars and lock vehicle doors. Yes, even Subarus.

By the numbers: Thankfully, last year was a relatively quiet season for human-bear interactions in Boulder.

• CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose said wildlife officers euthanized one bear and relocated another in the city of Boulder in 2024.

Pro tip: CPW opened a fresh round of grant funding to help communities bear-proof their neighborhoods.

The $1 million program is accepting applications through May 30.