A number of bear sightings in Castle Rock over the last week reminds us that, as the weather cools, bears will begin to prepare for hibernation. Though bears officially don’t tuck in for the winter until mid-November, they are looking to fatten up now, and the Town wants to remind people how to be safe in bear country.

The bears will be out looking for easy calories in places like garbage cans, dumpsters, bird feeders and backyard grills. The recent Colorado drought means a shortage of potential food sources (nuts, berries, insects and carrion) and, possibly, more bear sightings.

Attacks by these animals are rare, but as sightings increase, it is important to remind people of the following safety tips:

• First and foremost, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. It’s a good idea to make noise when in remote or wooded areas to warn wildlife of your presence.
• Keep dogs leashed and controlled when outdoors to prevent unexpected encounters.
• Keep all doors and windows at your home closed and locked at night and when you are not home. If you must leave downstairs windows open, install sturdy grates or bars. Screens do not keep out bears.
• Bears are great climbers. Remove any tree limbs that might provide access to upper-level decks and windows.
• Play talk radio (not music) when you leave home. The human voice startles most bears.
• Don’t leave trash out overnight, unless it is in a bear-proof container or enclosure. Make sure there’s nothing with an odor in your vehicle including candy, gum, air fresheners, trash, lotions and lip balms.
• If a bear enters your home, call 911. Then, open doors and windows and make sure it can leave the same way it got in. Don’t approach the bear or block escape routes.
• If you encounter a black bear, do not run away. Avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away, while making a lot of noise. Call 911 if the bear shows aggression toward you.
• If you wish to report a sighting, you may call the Castle Rock Police Department nonemergency number, 303-663-6100, or the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, 303-291-7227.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife provides additional information on its website, wildlife.state.co.us. Those with questions can also contact Town Natural Resource Specialist Barbara Spagnuolo, 720-733-2294 or bspagnuolo@CRgov.com.