“Garbage kills bears” had become a common, somewhat vague warning to area residents – until it actually happened nearly a month ago. On May 30, the phrase was re-ignited with a “bear attacks camper” incident at an illegal camp site near the Tech Center. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he recounted for Herald readers about the horrors of being mauled by a bear. Unfortunately, the bear was shot; it had previously provoked another camper.

But there’s another bear (or more) out there training to replace this one. Bears don’t need trash-strewn wooded areas to come sniffing around. For a taste of used coffee cup and doughnut, a bear and her cubs will enter an unlocked car, destroying its interior. Salmon bits stuck to the grill are appetizers sure to lure a bear. Dog food bags in the garage are invitations bears eagerly open. Unsecured (not “wildlife-resistant”) trash cans brought out the night before pick-up become buffets for bears.

Bear-killing “garbage” also includes an almost-ripe pear tree, a bacon-greased skillet near an open window, a daypack with energy bar and sandwich left on the patio, anything edible, past or present.

Most of us know that attractants such as these invite bears into our neighborhoods. Most of us know what it takes to be “bear smart.” Sometimes, it’s easier to think bears are not attracted to our homes, that they prefer high-country acorns and berries. However, bears frequently return to human food sites regardless of the bounty of their natural diet.

The first time a bear causes conflict with people or property state law requires it to be tagged as a nuisance bear. If that bear causes conflict again, it is killed. Nuisance bears that authorities relocate rarely survive the move. Because almost all bear habitat is already claimed by other bears, most nuisance bears return.

Let’s do our part to keep this summer free of bear encounters. For more information about what to do if you see a bear or to prevent encounters, visit wildsmart.org or bearsmartdurango.org.

Maureen Keilty, chairwoman of the La Plata County Living with Wildlife Advisory Board

Durango