As more bears are venturing into town and more residents are being issued violations for failing to secure trash properly, the Aspen Police Department has launched the “Bear Aware Campaign” to educate residents about bear activity.
A stand-up “around town” bear will appear at different locations around the city to provide educational information. Residents can also visit the program’s Web site, www.aspenbears.com, and call the bear hotline (429-1768) to report non-emergency problems and ask questions. The campaign also includes a wildlife enforcement officer, who monitors and enforces city of Aspen trash ordinances.
Last week six warnings were written in the city of Aspen, mostly to local restaurants and condominium associations, said Jason Anderson, wildlife enforcement officer for the Aspen Police Department. Residents are putting trash into recycling containers rather than bear-proof trash receptacles and dumpsters, he said.
Bear activity is expected to increase until natural berries ripen in the next two to three weeks, Anderson said.
Bear calls, July 18-24:
Aspen: 7
Snowmass: 0
Basalt: 5
Pitkin County: 4
Wildlife trash violations:
Aspen: 6
Snowmass: 4
— Compiled by Elise Foley
