VIDEO: Bear breaks into car near Breckenridge, prompting residents to be bear-aware
Courtesy photo
A bear opened the door to an unlocked vehicle in Breckenridge, acting as a reminder that residents in Summit County and Colorado’s mountains should take precautions to protect the safety of the community and wildlife.
The snow is starting to melt in Summit County, and the bears are making their way back onto the scene. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have long stressed the importance of being bear-aware in the mountains and say conflicts can be avoided.
Last year brought a record-high reports of bear sightings and conflict with humans. The most frequent source of conflicts includes bird feeders, livestock, bears accessing open garages and other human-originated items that are left unsecured.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends getting wildlife-resistant trash containers, not hanging bird feeders, taking precautions when camping, protecting chicken, bees and livestock and more. Bears can open car doors, so locking them at night can also be a useful preventative measure.
Depending on the severity of the situation, bear conflicts can result in the relocation or euthanasia of the bear involved.
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