A reminder to stay bear aware after one was spotted in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says its important to educate yourself and others about living responsibly with bears.

Last week, a News5 viewer sent us photos of a bar in the Oak Hills neighborhood, which is located on the northwest side of Colorado Springs.

WATCH: Bear spotted in the Oak Hills neighborhood on the northwest side of Colorado Springs

CPW provides an extensive list of precautions to take for residents who live in wildlife areas and/or anyone in wildlife areas. You can view the list below:

Keeping bears away from your home

• Keep garbage in a well-secured location.
• Keep garbage cans clean to reduce smells.
• Keep garage doors closed.
• Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
• Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to November 15.
• Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house.
• Compost should be secured to reduce smells.
• Keep outdoor areas free of food or food waste.
• If you have fruit trees, don't allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
• Keep neighbors and children well-informed.

When traveling or camping

• Lock your doors when you leave home and at night.
• Keep the bottom-floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.
• When camping, keep your campsite clean, avoid having food in your tent, and secure all food.
• Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

Protecting animals

• Chickens, bees, and livestock should be completely covered, especially at night.
• Use electric fencing (when possible).
• Don't keep animal food outside.
• Clean enclosures regularly to reduce smells.

CPW says bears normally come out of hibernation this time of year. If you do encounter a bear near your house, CPW officials say to make loud noises and throw things to scare it off.
To learn more about how to protect yourself from bears, visit CPW's website. Or watch the video below.

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