We have bear activity heating up in Highlands Ranch with multiple reports coming into Colorado Parks and Wildlife over the past week of bear sightings.

Due to the drought and late spring freeze, the natural food for bears in the wild is limited. We need to make sure bears are not getting into our trash and other non-natural food sources. They will move on when they can no longer find things to eat.

• Keep your trash locked up until the morning of pick-up.
• Please lock up cars and windows. Bears can break in, but they have trouble getting out on their own.
• Take down your bird feeders.
• Be sure to clean grills after each use.
• Keep garage doors closed and locked.

If you have questions about living in bear country, you can contact the CPW Denver Office at 303-297-1192. Learn more on CPW's Living with Bears webpage.