Newsletter, October 2025

Rolling out the unwelcome mat

Like any good neighbor, we strive to be friendly. Sometimes, however, putting out a welcome mat isn’t the smart thing to do. This can be the case with bears who have

become habituated (or show signs of becoming habituated) to humans and human sources of food.

In such cases, one way to discourage our ursine friends is by placing an electrified mat in front of an entrance to a structure that a bear might want to enter. These mats— called unwelcome mats—deliver a sharp jolt to bears that sends them away, we hope, to safety.

Thanks to a generous donation, Colorado Bear Coalition now has an unwelcome mat to loan to someone who wants to deter bears. Let us know if you want to borrow it!

We're working to keep bears out of landfills

While it is illegal to “knowingly” lure bears to human sources of food, landfills around Colorado effectively do just that. This year, CBC Vice President Melinda Marquis has taken considerable action, contacting Pitkin County commissioners, testifying before the CPW commission and writing a detailed report and addendum, urging Pitkin County to erect an electric fence around its future landfill, which local voters have voted to expand.

The case for electric fencing to deter bears is strong and backed by experience and science. As our research shows, electric fencing is used in Canada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska very successfully and helps to keep bears and people safe.

We think Pitkin County could be a model for other Colorado landfills and could help lead the way toward more peaceful coexistence with bears. Let us know what you think!

Two claws up for Silverton!

Silverton, Colorado, which is nestled in the San Juan Mountains, has enacted a new ordinance to reduce human-bear conflict. After a bear in Silverton was killed in 2024, Silverton created a wildlife coalition that established an ordinance that prohibits feeding of and harassment of wildlife.

The town also wrote an application to apply for a Colorado Parks & Wildlife grant to fund a code enforcement officer to educate residents and enforce newly adopted town ordinances. Wisely, CPW funded this grant.

Silverton also retrofitted all the trash cans on Main street to make them bear-resistant.

Silverton responded to an influx of bears feeding on trash and other attractants by focusing on the human side of the equation. It’s a great policy for bears and people who love them.

Quotable

“I think in these chaotic times that we’re living in, we all need this reminder by Margaret Mead, who said: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ I firmly believe that.”

Brenda Lee, president and executive director

at CBC’s first gala fundraiser, May 2025

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