FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telluride Black Bear Awareness Week Kicks Off September 10
Events for adults and kids throughout the week promote co-existing safely
(September 8, 2023) – Telluride, CO --- The Town of Telluride’s Annual Black Bear Awareness Week will take place from Sunday, September 10 through Saturday, September 16. Throughout the week, the Town and various partner organizations put together educational events, talks, and performances to educate the public on the best ways to co-exist without endangering animals or humans.
The Telluride Municipal Code outlines a handful of measures to be taken by residents and businesses to protect themselves and wildlife within the Town. When it comes to bears, it’s important to remember that:
- All trash, food, pet food, grain, or salt should be stored in a way that does not attract wildlife, whether in wildlife-resistant containers or indoors. (Sec. 7-6-210)
- All bird feeders should be hung from a cable or other hanging device to keep them out of reach of bears while also avoiding accumulation of seeds or food below. (Sec. 7-6-210)
- Residents are required to use a clean, effective, wildlife-resistant poly-cart as a trash can for pickup. (Sec. 7-5-130)
- All dumpsters need to be metal, lockable, clean, and effective in preventing bears from breaking into them. (Sec. 7-5-140)
The Town also encourages residents and visitors to follow these key safety measures:
- Lock your windows and doors at your home.
- Keep your BBQ grill free of food and grease to the extent possible.
- Do not leave food in your car; lock doors and close windows when parked.
- Fruit, melon rinds, or other food items in compost piles may attract black bears, so don’t add these and other pungent scraps to the pile. Adding lime will help promote decomposition and reduce odor.
- Always keep your dog on a non-retractable leash. Don’t let your dog bark at, harass, chase, or corner a bear.
- If you see a bear, maintain a safe distance and alter your route to avoid the bear. Never block a bear’s travel route.
For more information about 2023 Black Bear Awareness Week events and tips for living in harmony with our black bear population, please visit bit.ly/totbearsafety.
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Communications Manager
Lindsey Mills
Cell: (303) 319-6448
Email: lmills@telluride-co.gov
ABOUT TELLURIDE
A former Victorian mining town in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride was incorporated in 1977 as a home-rule municipality. Set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of the popular Telluride ski-and-golf resort, the town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896. For more information, please visit us online at telluride-co.gov.