Bears waking earlier than usual in Colorado

• When we see lower snowpack or lower moisture winters, it's possible bears in Colorado can emerge … earlier" from torpor, a light form of hibernation, she said.

Driving the news: The season of bear shenanigans is underway, with human run-ins rising.

• On April 10, a bear in Evergreen ripped apart an unlocked car, likely looking for snacks.
• On April 6, a skier at Keystone Resort narrowly dodged a black bear sprinting across a run.
• On April 5, two large bears in Castle Pines were spotted climbing a homeowner's deck for a bite from some bird feeders.

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.

What's next: CPW recently opened a fresh round of funding to help communities bear-proof their neighborhoods. The $1 million grant program is accepting applications through May 30.