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Aspen is centered in prime bear habitat, and therefore, the Aspen Police Department frequently is summoned to situations involving bears. Bears are wild animals and are unpredictable. While they prefer to avoid human contact, many bears have become used to spending some of their time in Aspen. Habituated bears will enter urban areas in search of human food sources. So, it is common for bears to venture into the middle of downtown Aspen during both day and night.
This is also becoming increasingly true for other wildlife such as moose, mountain lions, elk, and deer.
Wildlife is a key component of Aspen’s environment, and it is up to us to take the appropriate precautions to keep them safe. Removing in-town attractants is the most effective way to reduce bear activity in town. To better secure attractants, the Aspen Police Department is working with cooperating agencies and businesses on education, prevention, and enforcement.
There are many things that humans can do to reduce interactions with bears and other wildlife.
Once bears find an easily accessible food source, they don’t forget and they’ll come back for more. There are many actions you can take year-round, and especially in the early spring, to deter bear activity in and around your home.
Failure to comply with the City of Aspen's Trash Ordinance may result in fines up to $1,000:
Questions? Environmental Health and Sustainability offers free waste assessments and recycling training for residents and business owners interested in learning more about proper waste, recycling, and food waste disposal. Register here.
If the bear remains and you feel it presents a threat, call the non-emergent dispatch line (970-920-5310) or 911 in an emergency.
Because a bear’s sense of smell is 100 times more sensitive than a human’s, an open window can mean they can smell food in a refrigerator, from outside the house, or even outside of a car.
Human-generated activities can cause severe stress for wildlife and could provoke them to take action to protect themselves. If you encounter wildlife when you're out and about, remember that they are wild animals.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife and Pitkin County Open Space are our partners in wildlife management practices. Learn about living and visiting bear country at Bear Wise.