Vail Police Department offers tips for bear season

Residents are being asked to be diligent about keeping their garbage stored properly now that bear season is underway. The Vail Police Department has fielded numerous bear calls since taking the first report of the season in the 3100 block of Booth Falls Court on April 16.

 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. Also, 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.

In 2018 the Vail Police Department issued 3 citations and 211 warnings for wildlife related violations. For 2019, as of June 19, there have been 377 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. 

To avoid bear conflicts at a residence or business the Vail Police Department offers these tips:

• Never store garbage, recyclables, or pet food on porches
• Keep barbeque grills and outdoor furniture clean
• Keep bird feeders out of reach of wildlife and bring them in at night
• Keep ground-floor windows and doors closed and locked

For more information, call the Code Enforcement Officer Megan Muretta at 970-479-2201 or visit the town’s website at www.vailgov.com/police.