Bear tales and etiquette in Lyons area
Pinewood Springs has a hardy bear already prowling the neighborhood. Pam Komhyr caught this guy on May 11, just passing through at 5:45 a.m. Robyn Sloan commented: “I had one on my deck last night about 3 a.m., looking for a bird feeder. It had gone after the last of my sunflower seeds. I kept the feeder up because I was getting exciting Red Crossbills. Bad mistake! Now that bear will be back since they remember every place that they have ever gotten food.”
Cindy Tully LaMarie says, “Looks like same guy that’s been on Kiowa island, (Pinewood Springs). Had 3 visits in a week, all during the night though. Pam our pup slept thru all visits but in the morning he was all over the yard smelling the bear. This new for him since only 15 months old. Our last golden always barked & scared them off….mountain lions was a different story.”
A couple of weeks ago, Evan Jones said, “I did something very dumb yesterday, and while it shames me to admit, I’m obligated to share my hard-learned lesson with all of you. Make sure to lock your car doors, and don’t leave ANYTHING inside that has been anywhere near food. This is my car after a bear broke in early this morning and then became trapped inside when the door swung shut. He was after an apple core and an empty sandwich wrapper from my lunch that I had carelessly left inside with the doors unlocked. Fortunately, I was able to sneak up and open the back hatch, allowing him to escape. Otherwise, animal control would likely have put him down because of my carelessness. Don’t be like me.”
There have been bear sightings in LaVern Johnson Park over the past week.
TIPS to save your life & that of the bear
(1) Secure your trash, secure your trash, secure your trash. This is the main source of bears in town. If you do not have a bear safe (must be a certified bear safe) container, please keep it in your locked garage or house until garbage day. Google “bear safety product testing” to learn more about what makes a garbage can bear safe.
(2) Keep your car doors locked and windows totally rolled up when not in use. Bears can pull out windows that are cracked open, open car doors, and get trapped in cars if the door slams behind them. I have seen cars totaled because of this.
(3) Haze bears that you see. Make loud noises, even using pots and pans, car alarm, airhorn… The more comfortable and welcome bears feel in residential areas, the more they come back and get into trouble.
Thanks to Sara Kramer for these tips!
Remember to get your bear proof trash can (at a low price) from Lyons town hall. While the first order has finished, you can check with them for declined orders, or if/when there will be another offering. CLICK HERE
