Boulder Trying To Bear Proof City
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- Boulder is looking for new ways to bear proof the city after adopting rules to keep bears out of certain neighborhoods.
Earlier this year the Boulder City Council adopted a new ordinance that requires properties west of Broadway to secure trash until it's collected.
Now the city is proposing a new rule-- setting specific requirements for bear-resistant containers, dumpsters and closures that would better keep bears out.
That rule will likely go into effect this summer with a $250 fine for the first offense.
"They're starting to come out of hibernation and they're starting to look for easy food," said Tom Davies from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
At lower elevations bear sightings are starting to pick up. Parks and Wildlife is hoping people's good habits haven't been hibernating too.
"Bears think with their stomachs and if it's a challenge to get they're going to move on to easier stuff," said Davies. "The biggest thing you can do is keep trash inside. If you can, keep it in a garage. If you have bear-proof trash cans, something to keep them away."
Trash really is the No. 1 lure for bears going into populated areas.
