What would you do if you found 400 pounds worth of bear sleeping under your porch? For this Colorado family the saying “don’t poke the bear” all of a sudden took on an extremely literal meaning.
Startling Discovery of a Bear Sleeping Under a Porch in Pagosa Springs
A family in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, was shocked to discover a massive bear under the deck of their home. The 400-pound bear, estimated to be 10 years old, was found huffing and moaning, prompting the family to call Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) officers for assistance.
CPW Officers Respond Quickly
Responding swiftly to the family’s call, CPW officers arrived on the scene. The officers were familiar with the bear, which had a reputation for scavenging non-natural food sources in the area. To ensure safety, they used a tranquilizer dart to sedate the bear.
The Grueling Task of Relocation
Once sedated, the task of moving the bear began. Two CPW officers, with help from several bystanders, carefully extracted the 400-pound animal from under the deck. The process was described as grueling due to the bear’s size and weight.
Watch the footage from the removal here
The Talk of the Neighbourhood
The bear’s presence under the family’s porch sparked a mix of fear and fascination and neighbors gathered to witness the unusual event – many even expressing concern for the bear’s welfare. CPW officers took the opportunity to educate onlookers about living safely alongside wildlife and the measures everyone can take to prevent future incidents.
A New Home for the Bear
After the bear was safely removed, CPW transported it to a natural habitat far from human settlements. The goal was to provide the bear with the best chance for success in an area with abundant natural food sources. The relocation aims to reduce human-bear conflicts.
Understanding Bear Behavior
Bears are intelligent creatures that learn quickly. They can become accustomed to human food sources, leading to more frequent and dangerous encounters. Understanding bear behavior is crucial for managing and preventing such incidents.
The Importance of Securing Trash
One of the main attractants for bears in residential areas is unsecured trash. CPW advises residents to keep their trash cans locked and stored in bear-proof containers. This simple step can significantly reduce the chances of bears entering residential areas.
Removing Bird Feeders to Deter Bears
Bird feeders can attract bears, especially in areas close to forests and wildlife habitats. Removing bird feeders, particularly during bear activity seasons, can help in keeping these large animals at bay and reduce human-bear encounters.
Keeping Bears Wild
CPW’s motto, “Let’s all do our part to keep bears wild,” emphasizes the importance of minimizing human influence on bear behavior. By securing attractants and respecting wildlife, communities can help maintain healthy bear populations and ensure safety.
What to Do if You Encounter a Bear
Encountering a bear can be intimidating. CPW advises to stay calm, avoid direct eye contact, and slowly back away. Never run or climb a tree, as bears can easily outrun and outclimb humans. Carrying bear spray can also provide an extra layer of safety.
Bear Activity Seasons
Bears are most active in the spring and fall. During these times, they are more likely to venture into residential areas in search of food. Being aware of these peak activity periods can help residents take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.
The Role of Wildlife Officers
Wildlife officers play a critical role in managing human-wildlife conflicts. Their training and expertise enable them to handle situations like the bear under the deck safely and effectively, ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals.
Bear Relocation Success Stories
Relocating bears is a challenging but often successful strategy. Many bears that are relocated to appropriate habitats thrive in their new environments, reducing the likelihood of returning to human-populated areas and finding natural food sources.
Challenges of Relocating Bears
Relocating a bear is not without challenges. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure the bear’s safety and the safety of the community. Factors such as distance, habitat suitability, and the bear’s health are all taken into consideration.
Community Efforts to Prevent Bear Encounters
Community involvement is key to preventing bear encounters. Educational programs, proper waste management, and wildlife-friendly practices can significantly reduce the chances of bears wandering into residential areas and creating conflicts.
Bear-Proofing Your Home
Bear-proofing your home involves simple yet effective measures like securing trash, removing attractants, and installing bear-proof fences if necessary. These steps can make a big difference in keeping bears out of residential areas.
The Life Cycle of a Bear
Understanding the life cycle of bears can provide insights into their behavior. Bears go through various stages from cubs to adults, each with unique needs and behaviors. Knowledge of these stages can help in better managing bear populations.
The Importance of Natural Food Sources
Natural food sources are crucial for the health and survival of bears. Ensuring that bears have access to natural foods in their habitats reduces their dependence on human food sources and helps in maintaining ecological balance.
Bear Safety Tips for Hikers
For those who enjoy the outdoors, knowing bear safety tips is essential. Making noise while hiking, traveling in groups, and carrying bear spray are some of the ways hikers can protect themselves and minimize the chances of a bear encounter.
Bear Sleeping Under Family’s Porch: Conclusion
If you live in a bear-dense area it’s always best to keep both eyes open! Even though this bear probably was just looking for a cosy place to rest its head, you’d probably be in big trouble if you accidentally poked the bear..
Thank you for reading this story about the family who found a bear under their porch! For more bear news, take a look here:
- Three (un)Lucky Fishermen Get a Visit by a Juvenile Grizzly Bear in Katmai National Park
- Massive Grizzly Bear Breaks Into House
- Husky Parents Use Drone To Find Him With Wild Bears
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