Bear activity has slowed down in Pitkin County in the last week “since the Dalai Lama left,” joked Perry Will of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Seriously, though, lots of berries are starting to sprout in the backcountry, and since berries are bears’ primary and favorite food source, that should keep them from feeling the need to wander into people territory too often. Will noted that some serviceberries are starting to turn and the chokecherries at lower elevations are ripening.

Still, residents should not let down their guards, as bad bear habits are easily bred. As recently as yesterday, a bear got into an Aspen home through a closed but unlocked door, and there have been calls about bears hanging out in trees and yards around town.

In Snowmass Village, a family new to the area hung bird feeders all over their yard — a neighbor spotted this and alerted authorities, who politely explained to the newcomers that bird feeders cannot be hung in bear country, as they are an excellent food source for the bruins.

Bear calls July 25-31:
Aspen Police, 10
Pitkin County, 6
Basalt Police, 0
Snowmass Village Police, 0

Wildlife trash violations:
Aspen, N/A
Snowmass, 0

— Compiled by Aspen Daily News staff