Before 2023, the resource landscape for La Plata County residents experiencing problems with bears was, well, somewhat barren.
Enforcement of state laws and county codes intent on preventing residents feeding bears, intentionally or not, fell to the sheriff’s office most of the time.
But that changed in 2023. The area’s Bear Working Group secured grant funding from Colorado Parks and Wildlife to fund a Bear Resource Officer. As a result, Clarence Dotson spent the season – May through November – patrolling the county helping residents address brewing issues with local bruins.
“We wanted the office to be seen as a resource instead of … enforcement,” Dotson, who works under Animal Control, said.
Although he responded to 31 hotline calls and contact members of the public in 42 other cases, Dotson issues just 10 warnings all season. He did not fine anyone. The first offense penalty is $200.
Instead, the officer equipped his vehicle with resources to prevent bear-human interactions.
The office lent out bear-proof trash cans, “Critter Gitter” deterrents, electric and spiky “unwelcome mats,” trail cameras and electric fence kits – all free of charge. Dotson would also help setup electric fencing around apiaries or fruit tree groves.
“The response that I had was very positive,” Dotston said. “ … (People) didn't know it was a problem, so we liked the fact that we could help people with this instead of just (saying) ‘Hey, you violated this law, here’s your ticket.’”
The only way someone would get a ticket is through what Dotson called “willful noncompliance.” If a bear gets into a trash can, Animal Control would loan the owner a bear-proof can and give them 72 hours to contact their waste management company and request a permanent bear-resistant receptacle. Residents would only be fined in cases where they refuse to take mitigation steps.
Dotson spent his days patrolling neighborhoods following the trash pickup schedule in search of tipped-over trash cans, responding to bear hotline tips and conducting public outreach at community events.
“He had the time to actually cruise these neighborhoods, see if there were knocked over cans or dumpsters that are being compromised, etc., and engage those people, hopefully, when things were still fresh,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Steve McClung.
Half of the position’s $30,000 allocation is funded through next year – but Dotson, CPW officials and other partners say there is room for expansion and would like see the position funded permanently.
The year’s workload was more than enough for one person – and the exceptionally wet spring meant that bears had plenty of natural food options and were less likely to turn to human trash.
When the bears do emerge from hibernation in the spring, Dotson and his companion, a uniform-clad teddy bear named “Berry” will be prepared.
Bear sightings and other incidents can be reported the bear hotline at 247-BEAR (2327).
rschafir@durangoherald.com
