Breckenridge, Colorado, is a high-altitude community nestled within a vast natural ecosystem, making wildlife encounters a regular occurrence for residents and visitors. The town’s proximity to the White River National Forest places it directly within the habitat of numerous species, including bears. Understanding responsible coexistence is fundamental to protecting both the human population and the wildlife.
Breckenridge’s Bear Population: Identifying the Species
The bears that inhabit the Breckenridge area are exclusively the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), which is abundant throughout Colorado’s forested regions. Colorado does not have a population of Grizzly Bears, which were extirpated decades ago. The American Black Bear is generally more timid and less aggressive than the Grizzly. Despite their name, Black Bears exhibit a range of coat colors, often appearing brown, cinnamon, or blonde, which sometimes leads to mistaken identification. An average male Black Bear weighs around 275 pounds, though some reach 450 pounds, while females are generally smaller.
Understanding Bear Attractants and Seasonal Activity
Bear activity is closely linked to the seasonal cycle, with most bears active from mid-March through early November before they enter their winter dens. Males typically emerge first, followed by females and then mothers with new litters in late April. The most intense feeding occurs in late summer and fall, a stage known as hyperphagia, when bears must consume immense amounts of calories to gain fat for the winter. Bears seek easy, high-calorie food sources, sometimes needing up to 20,000 calories daily. Their sense of smell is hundreds of times more sensitive than a human’s, drawing them into town by the slightest scent of unsecured food, which is the primary reason for human-bear conflicts.
Securing Your Property: Prevention in Town
Securing Garbage and Food Sources
Minimizing human-bear conflicts hinges entirely on eliminating access to artificial food sources, starting with securing garbage. Breckenridge has local ordinances requiring residents and businesses to use bear-resistant containers or keep trash secured indoors until the morning of pick-up. Allowing a bear to access trash even once teaches it that human areas equal easy food, a lesson that can ultimately prove fatal for the animal.
Removing Attractants
Other common household items that attract bears must also be secured or removed from outdoor areas. Bird feeders, including hummingbird feeders, should be removed entirely during the active season, as bird seed is extremely high in calories. Outdoor grills must be cleaned thoroughly after every use, with the grates burned off and any grease traps emptied. Pet food should never be left outside, even during the day, and must be stored in secure containers inside the home or garage.
Securing Structures and Vehicles
Bears are intelligent and capable of opening doors and windows if they associate the building with a previous food reward. Residents and visitors should consistently lock all ground-level windows and doors, including those on vehicles and garages, even when stepping away briefly. Scented non-food items, such as air fresheners, toiletries, or coolers, should never be left visible inside a parked vehicle. A bear’s powerful nose may interpret these scents as food and lead to property damage. Consistent enforcement of these preventative measures is the most effective way to keep bears wild and safe.
Responding to a Bear Encounter
Immediate Response
If you encounter a bear while in town or on a trail, the most important action is to remain calm and never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Immediately identify yourself as a human by speaking in a normal voice, which can often make the bear retreat. Slowly wave your arms above your head to appear larger, but avoid direct eye contact, which can be interpreted as a challenge.
Managing the Encounter
If the bear is approaching or seems curious, continue to stand your ground and speak firmly. Only back away slowly once the animal allows you space to move. Bears may stand on their hind legs to get a better look and smell, which is generally an investigation, not an aggressive posture. If you are carrying bear spray, be prepared to deploy it when the bear is within about 40 feet. In the rare event of a physical attack, fight back vigorously, as Black Bears do not typically tolerate a counter-attack.
Reporting and Safety
If a bear is acting aggressively, threatening human safety, or attempting to break into a building, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) immediately. If the bear is simply passing through without causing a disturbance, allow it to move on undisturbed. Keeping dogs leashed while hiking is also important, as an off-leash dog can easily provoke or lead a bear back to its owner.