As the first bear sighting of the year, it was no record.
The first 2014 bear to be reported to Bryan Peterson, founder of Bear Smart Durango, was seen at 9:30 p.m. Monday by La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies Sean Smith and Jon Gullion.
“The bear ran across Animas View Drive from west to east near North Main Avenue and down a hill,” Smith said. “He ran between that rafting company and another building.”
Peterson, who founded Bear Smart Durango in 2003 to educate residents on coexisting with bears, said the black bear seen Monday appeared 10 days later than the first bear of 2013 and 17 days later than the first bear seen in 2012. Bear No. 1 of 2011 was sighted April 5 and the first bear of 2010 was seen April 10.
Peterson mentioned a March 29 story in the Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune citing a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks official who said bears seem to be coming out of their dens earlier in recent years. The official said warming temperatures could be a factor.
Joe Lewandowski, a spokesman in Durango for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, said seeing bears at this time of year is not unusual.
“The weather is warm, and there is plenty of food left around by residents,” Lewandowski said. “This is a good time to remind the public to keep garbage in bins and watch where barbecue grills, pet food and bird feeders are placed.”
daler@durangoherald.com
