Sheriff warns of elevated bear activity, urges secure trash and public vigilance

The sheriff gave a detailed public-safety update focused on bears and related calls, reporting 180 calls in August and multiple traffic accidents, including two recent vehicle strikes involving bears. "The problem is... there's no natural food out there," the sheriff said, and described countywide increases in wildlife encounters as hunters and seasonal visitors increase traffic. Deputies are limited and enforcement is constrained by staffing levels, the sheriff added.

Staff and trustees noted that bear-resistant cans and public outreach are in use but that one trash-hauler’s lids are not latching well; the sheriff urged residents to keep trash cans clean and latched and to use loud deterrents if they encounter bears. Trustees agreed to support public outreach and a town meeting was held with CPW (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) and county conservation staff earlier in the week, officials said.