New CSU study finds Aspen bears aren't garbage junkies

By Troy Hooper
Real AspenJuly 22, 2010

Much like humans, some bears eat better than others, according to a new Colorado State University study, which found that, even so, Aspen bears prefer acorns and berries over human garbage.



“What we found is that bears are just being bears in urban environments. When natural food sources were bountiful, bears rarely came into town,” said co-principal investigator Ken Wilson, a professor in the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at CSU in Fort Collins.

This bear captured near Aspen Highlands was later returned to the wilderness.

“When natural food sources were lean, bears were creative and resourceful enough to track down more easily attainable human food. Perhaps more interesting, we found that bears did not become addicted to trash and, in fact, the patterns of seeking human food reversed when more natural food was available in subsequent years.”

CSU issued a press release Tuesday with the headline “Study shows bears in Aspen don't necessarily have preference for trash” to highlight the results of a five-year study, conducted by ecology doctoral candidate Sharon Baruch-Mordo, who tracked bear behavior in the Aspen area. Researchers gathered data from about 50 black bears, mapping out where and when the animals roamed while also experimenting with different ways to educate residents about locking up their trash.

One of the more surprising revelations for Wilson was the amount of variation in bear habits.

“We all have friends who eat at McDonalds every other day and friends who say they won't ever eat at McDonalds,” he said in an interview. “Well, there are bears who come to town looking for food and other bears who would prefer to stay away from humans and their towns, whether out of fear or some other reason.”

When natural food is scarce, bears inevitably do begin to hone in on urban areas where half-eaten sandwiches, fruit, candy and other delicious scraps can be found piling up in garbage bins. The study concluded that Aspen's problems with bears can be ameliorated, but people must change their own behaviors — securing garbage and better locking up their property — to make a meaningful impact.

“An essential key to reduce the number of bear-related conflicts for the residents of Aspen and surrounding areas is to make sure garbage is secure at all times. Over the course of our study, we have seen that when natural food sources are poor, as they were in 2007 and 2009, bears will venture into Aspen and during those years we saw high incidents of human-bear conflicts,” Wilson said.

Despite trying various methods to educate the public about how to minimize the potential for bad bear encounters, the researchers reported that education was largely ineffective in making a difference. Enforcement, specifically the issuing of citations and fines, made the biggest impact, the study stated.

Aspen police recently responded to the study saying that it will continue its educational efforts. APD spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro reportedly said that the department considers the educational findings in the CSU study “out of date” because police have improved their outreach the past couple of years.

“To say that the methods have changed, I'm not sure that would pertain to what we found,” Wilson responded. “That said, nowhere did we say: 'don't educate the public as well.' They're taking the extreme stance that education is effective. Our study didn't support that. It did find, however, that proactive law enforcement techniques were somewhat effective in getting residents up there to secure their trash.”

The Colorado Division of Wildlife euthanized 20 bears in 2009, which, like in 2007, was a particularly problematic year for bear-human conflicts: bruins injured three local residents in different episodes. In 2008, when natural food was more plentiful, there were far fewer human-bear encounters.

Bear sightings are so commonplace in Aspen that many of the animals acquire nicknames. There was “Fat Albert” — a beast of a bear who took a fondness to the Aspen area and one resident's chocolate stash — and “Midnight,” a malnourished young bear that weighed just 16 pounds when it was found near Aspen Highlands.

The bear was nursed back to health with special yogurt and antibiotics at Pauline S. Schneegas Wildlife Foundation's rehabilitation center near Silt. Now weighing about 65 pounds, “Midnight” was recently released back into the mountains between Boulder and Estes Park.

The CSU study should help dispel any myth that bears accustomed to urban environments prefer them over nature, Wilson said, when in fact the majority of bears prefer the high country over the high life.

“Over the past five years, we learned a lot about bears and people and how they interact in the urban environment. There haven't been many long-term studies of black bears in urban settings, and we need to understand whether similar results are found in other regions of Colorado,” he said. “We also need to continue to develop and evaluate education and enforcement efforts to better affect change in human behavior.”


comments: 52 Comments on "New CSU study finds Aspen bears aren't garbage junkies"

Promote Abhi - Business Chalega Tabhi – Oct. 27, 2021, at 8:02 a.m.

Veganism is a lifestyle that takes you on a culinary adventure while keeping your health and environment in check. The mindful act of ceasing the usage of animal products, dairy, meat, protein high vegan foods and poultry in the diet is gaining more importance over time due to the swift move towards healthy living!
Despite the fact that the number of vegans is rising tremendously, there’s still a common concern for both new and experienced free vegan recipes

gauravpandey – Dec. 24, 2021, at 5:36 a.m.

Christmas Eve meaning
christmas eve, what is christmas eve, christmas eve meaning, when is christmas eve, what to do on christmas eve
When is Christmas Eve

lepetiw688 – May 06, 2022, at 8:46 a.m.

when taking your watch for a repair, always look for a reputable and experienced watch repairman, www.HubslotXO.com

lepetiw688 – May 06, 2022, at 2:36 p.m.

Earlier than getting into reviewing your current money back guarantee level, I find myself obligated to note a couple of reasons for overtax refunds. https://www.Ibiza55.com

lepetiw688 – May 07, 2022, at 8:36 a.m.

right now, i am using LED desk lamps because they do not heat as much as incandescent desk lamps” https://www.mawin77.bet Well, I don’t know if that is going to work for me, but definitely worked for you! Excellent post! https://www.55amb.com

lepetiw688 – May 08, 2022, at 3:10 p.m.

Many thanks picking the correct to go about this in turn, Personally i think really measurements along with really enjoy researching a little more about the idea market. Assuming feasible, since realise mastery, on earth would you intellect adding to ones own blogging site by way of additional information? This is very useful for us. FORMULÁRIO ONLINE VISA DOS EUA

lepetiw688 – May 09, 2022, at 8:02 a.m.

Photograph utilizing a cellulite meal plan to make sure if I am qualified to at last eradicate the best dimpled skin eternally. Experts have problematic but i morning sticking with it all. I am experience even better within excellent personally, so can be described as get going with. 스웨디시 사이트

lepetiw688 – May 11, 2022, at 2:17 p.m.

Abnormal this put up is totaly unrelated to what I used to be searching google for, but it was indexed on the first page. I guess your doing something proper if Google likes you enough to place you at the first page of a non related search. ពាក្យសុំទិដ្ឋាការឥណ្ឌា

lepetiw688 – May 14, 2022, at 10:03 a.m.

i was home schooled when i was still very young and i have to stay that it is also a great way to educate your kids:: Domanda di visto online per la Turchia

lepetiw688 – May 16, 2022, at 7:22 a.m.

Excellent diary! I actually love how it is simple on my eyes and likewise the assemblage are good typed. I am wondering how I might be informed whenever a brand-new record has been made. I have signed to your rss feed which must do the trick! TX again! 캐나다 비자

lepetiw688 – May 27, 2022, at 7:35 a.m.

Awesome! I appreciate your input to this matter. It has been useful. my blog: how to impress a girl 꽁머니 안전놀이터

lepetiw688 – May 29, 2022, at 7:36 a.m.

What your stating is absolutely accurate. I know that everyone have to say the identical factor, but I just feel that you put it in a way that absolutely everyone can realize. I also really like the photographs you set in right here. They fit so effectively with what youre hoping to say. Im sure youll achieve so numerous men and women with what youve acquired to say. บาคาร่า

lepetiw688 – May 31, 2022, at 11:59 a.m.

It¡¦s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing. تأشيرة الهند الإلكترونية

lepetiw688 – June 07, 2022, at 5:20 a.m.

I’m impressed, I must say. Truly rarely must i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you could have hit the nail about the head. Your notion is outstanding; the issue is something that insufficient folks are speaking intelligently about. My business is delighted which i found this during my try to find something in regards to this. МЕДИЦИНСКА ВИЗА ЗА ИНДИЈУ

lepetiw688 – June 09, 2022, at 5:57 a.m.

Thanks for taking this opportunity to discuss this, I feel fervently about this and I like learning about this subject. new zealand visa for uk citizens

lepetiw688 – June 11, 2022, at 5:57 a.m.

Thanks for this wicked post. I am wondering if you were thining of publishing similar posts to this. .Keep up the excellent posts! 먹튀사이트

lepetiw688 – June 11, 2022, at 7:35 a.m.

soem sites that offer download games have viruses and spywares on it. so make sure to have some antivirus on your PC,, 꽁머니

lepetiw688 – June 11, 2022, at 2:37 p.m.

Hello. excellent job. I did not anticipate this. This is a splendid articles. Thanks! 우리카지노

lepetiw688 – June 12, 2022, at 1:04 p.m.

we love watching Dancing with the stars, the actresses and actors that joins it are nice; 안전놀이터

lepetiw688 – June 13, 2022, at 7:27 a.m.

Cause of Arthritis… [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]… КАНАДА ТУРИСТИЧЕСКА ВИЗА

lepetiw688 – June 14, 2022, at 4:25 a.m.

I like to spend my free time by reading various internet recourses. Today I came across your site and I located it is as one of the best free resources available! Well done! Keep on this quality! read click

lepetiw688 – June 14, 2022, at 6:59 a.m.

Please go on together with your wonderful weblog posts, I really like them. 강남셔츠룸

lepetiw688 – June 15, 2022, at 6:29 a.m.

I went over this web site and I think you have a lot of superb info , saved to my bookmarks (:. 무직자대출

lepetiw688 – June 15, 2022, at 11:52 a.m.

i would have to make more christmas cards becuase next month is december already- भारत मेडिकल भिसा

lepetiw688 – June 16, 2022, at 8:07 a.m.

wow excellent blog for certain i will come again to study new subject matter thanks Визовая анкета Турции

lepetiw688 – June 17, 2022, at 7:51 a.m.

Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, as well as the content! acortar una url

lepetiw688 – June 17, 2022, at 1:34 p.m.

While boils down to the item I’m able to merely seek to do something new in regard to it as best as they are able. Finger Skate pro

lepetiw688 – June 19, 2022, at 7:35 a.m.

Great post, I think blog owners should larn a lot from this website its rattling user genial . INDIAN E VISUM

lepetiw688 – June 19, 2022, at 1:41 p.m.

I think other web site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and wonderful user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic! seedbusinesses.com/category/อุปกรณ์รักษาความปลอดภั/

lepetiw688 – June 20, 2022, at 5:08 a.m.

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it! กล้องวงจรปิดไร้สาย

lepetiw688 – June 20, 2022, at 7:50 a.m.

Browsing through your blog site presents me the chance to realize precisely why I like examining points with so substantially understanding. It actually is wonderful to know there are still terrific authors all around that will set wit into knowledgable data. I appreciate you for your contributions and eagerness to share your thoughts with us. รับติดตั้งกล้องวงจรปิดราคา

lepetiw688 – June 20, 2022, at 11:34 a.m.

Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way! 450 bushmaster

lepetiw688 – June 20, 2022, at 2:49 p.m.

My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks! https://onohosting.com/affiliate-program

lepetiw688 – June 21, 2022, at 3:59 a.m.

I’d should check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I take pleasure in studying a publish that may make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark! cheap k2 paper sheets

lepetiw688 – June 21, 2022, at 1:49 p.m.

Is there a toughest thing in the world To believe. Заявление за виза за Канада

lepetiw688 – June 22, 2022, at 11:56 a.m.

Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will benefit from your writing. Cheers! https://divaglamour.in

farhan – Nov. 30, 2022, at 4:08 p.m.

the use of broccoli is very common in the Americanized version, while it is rarely used in the authentic cuisine. UK Aquilaria Mart

realman2022 – Feb. 19, 2023, at 7:56 p.m.

Good post. I've been checking this weblog and I'm impressed! Very helpful information, especially in the final stages 🙂 I deal with that a lot. I've been looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you. Good luck. 먹튀검증

realman2022 – Feb. 19, 2023, at 7:56 p.m.

Hi, I just got to know your blog through Google and found it really beneficial. I will be careful for Brussels. I'd appreciate it if you could proceed. Many others will probably benefit from your Glo. Cheers! 토토사이트

realman2022 – Feb. 19, 2023, at 7:56 p.m.

That is actually excellent and helpful information. I'm glad you simply shared us useful information. Please give us the latest information like this. Thank you for sharing. 메이저토토사이트

realman2022 – Feb. 19, 2023, at 7:56 p.m.

Can you tell me how relieved I am to find someone on the Internet who actually knows what they're talking about? You certainly know how to uncover a problem and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. You can't believe you're less popular because you're obviously talented. 메이저사이트

bnasd – May 24, 2023, at 1:29 a.m.

It is a fantastic post – immense clear and easy to understand. I am also holding out for the sharks too that made me laugh. アメリカ入国ビザオンライン

bnasd – June 18, 2023, at 2:05 a.m.

Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. सऊदी वीजा आवेदन ऑनलाइन

bnasd – June 21, 2023, at 7:42 a.m.

Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. طلب تأشيرة تركيا

bnasd – June 28, 2023, at 8:03 a.m.

Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck. ИЗИСКВАНИЯ ЗА ИНДИЙСКИ ВИЗИ

bnasd – July 10, 2023, at 7:14 a.m.

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Întrebări frecvente privind vizele pentru Canada

bnasd – July 17, 2023, at 8:22 a.m.

Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. TURKEY VISA REJECTED

bnasd – July 19, 2023, at 2:56 a.m.

It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works! pumice stone for feet

Mongkol – Aug. 14, 2023, at 4:33 a.m.

เกมคาสิโนออนไลน์เป็นเกมที่มีความสนุกสนาน และมีกราฟฟิกของเกมที่น่าดึงดูดใจผู้เล่นเป็นอย่างมาก แถมในระหว่างที่เล่นเกมก็ยังมีเพลงให้ฟังอีกด้วย ผมเลยไม่แปลกใจว่าทำไมเกมออนไลน์เกมนี้ถึงมียอดผู้เล่นเพิ่มจำนวนขึ้นในทุก ๆ วัน และเกมคาสิโนออนไลน์ก็เป็นเกมที่ผู้เล่นสามารถเข้าเล่นได้ทุกวันเท่าที่ต้องการไดเลย และเกมนี้ก็เป็นอีกหนึ่งเกมที่สร้างรายได้ให้กับผู้เล่นเป็นจำนวนมากภายในระยะเวลาไม่กี่นาที คุณก็สามารถมีเงินมหาศาลจากการเล่นเกมนี้เลยล่ะครับ คุณสามารถเข้าเล่นเกมได้ที่ sagame 66 หรือเข้าหน้าหลักของเว็บก็แค่คลิกที่ http://sagame66.bio เป็นเว็บที่เปิดให้บริการกับผู้เล่นตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง

Joji's Diner Mneu – Aug. 16, 2023, at 12:32 p.m.

Joji's Diner Menu includes milkshakes, fries, and burgers and other food items made with fresh ingredients. With 2 outlets in Singapore, Joji’s Diner is the ideal location to sate your appetites.

COMMENT
Comment Form Info  Comment Information
Real Aspen encourages you to post comments on our articles and blogs. Logged in email is required for monitoring purposes. Your email will not be published and will not be distributed to any third-party. Abusive, obscene, profane, threatening, libelous or defamatory comments are prohibited. By posting a comment, you agree to this policy and our terms of use. To report an abusive posting, please contact us.

To make a comment, please log in or create an account. This helps us prevent spam and other malicious attacks.

Please log in to comment

 

Create a user account to comment

Snow Report

  24hr snow mid dpth snow cond.
A-Basin n/a n/a
Aspen n/a n/a closed
BC n/a n/a closed
Breckenridge n/a n/a closed
Buttermilk n/a n/a closed
Copper n/a n/a closed
Crest. Butte n/a n/a closed
Eldora n/a n/a closed
Heavenly n/a n/a closed
Highlands n/a n/a
Howelsen n/a n/a closed
Keystone n/a n/a closed
Kirkwood n/a n/a closed
Loveland n/a n/a
Monarch n/a n/a closed
Northstar n/a n/a closed
Powderhorn n/a n/a closed
Purgatory n/a n/a closed
Silverton n/a n/a closed
Ski Cooper n/a n/a closed
Ski Granby n/a n/a closed
Snowmass n/a n/a closed
Steamboat n/a n/a closed
Sunlight n/a n/a closed
Telluride n/a n/a closed
Vail n/a n/a closed
WinterPark n/a n/a closed
Wolf Creek n/a n/a closed
More Weather Reports
VIDEO GALLERY
Vail powder day snow snake
Airing it out at Crested Butte
Feb. 17, 2011 Surprise 14 inches of Fresh Powder