Bears are Beginning to Wake Up From Hibernation in Colorado

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, many of Colorado's black bears are beginning to wake up after months of being in hibernation.

Most Colorado bears are active from mid-March through early November. That means right now is prime time for Colorado's black bears to start emerging from their dens. Typically, male bears exit the den first, followed by females and their cubs. The females and cubs may not leave the den until weeks after their male cohorts.

Bears lose approximately 15 to 30 percent of their body weight during hibernation, so they awake with a strong appetite. Once active, these hungry omnivores immediately start searching for food and can smell it from miles away. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, most human vs. bear conflicts can be traced to food, garbage, pet food, bird seed or other similar attractants. They are highly intelligent animals, and can remember certain where food sources are. To prevent attracting bears to an area, it's important to properly dispose of garbage and leftovers and check that trash cans are securely shut.

While on the trails, Coloradans should keep their dogs leashed; explor­ing canines can surprise a bear leading to a negative interaction.

Black bears seldom attack unless they feel threatened, cornered, or are provoked, but it's always best to keep your distance if one is nearby.

If a bear comes near you, do your best to safely chase it away. Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach or offer food to a bear.