Bear Season Reminders
Residents are being asked to be diligent about keeping their garbage stored properly now that bear season is underway. The department has already fielded two bear reports. On March 5 a bear was spotted in the1400 block of Moraine Drive in the Sandstone/Lionsridge neighborhood and on March 28, bear tracks were reported in the 4800 block of Meadow Lane in East Vail.
Over the next few weeks, the Vail police department will be increasing enforcement of existing year-round ordinances to deter bears from accessing easy-to-find food sources. Since 2007 all curbside trash customers in Vail have been required to use wildlife-resistant containers. In addition, commercial establishments, multi-family complexes and construction sites are required to use enclosures and/or wildlife-proof containers. In addition, the placement of curbside containers is restricted to the assigned pick up day and only during daylight hours under provisions of the dawn to dusk ordinance.
The policies helped contribute to a peaceful bear season last year in which there were no reports of household break-ins. In addition, the department experienced a 42 percent reduction in bear calls compared to the previous three years with just 51 reports in 2008, compared to as many as 141 in 2005.
There have been 2 citations and 69 warnings issued in Vail since Jan. 1. In 2008, there were 119 citations and 434 warnings. Residents are reminded that bear-resistant containers are compliant only if they are closed and latched properly. For example, if a container has two latches and only one is latched, it is not bear-resistant and a summons will be issued.
Residents also are reminded to avoid overstuffing their containers or placing food-related garbage next to the container. Also, an address must be listed on the can to meet provisions of the town’s wildlife protection ordinance.
For more information, call K9 Officer Ryan Millbern in the police department at 479-2237 click here.
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