From the Colorado Division of Wildlife
Only People Can Prevent Problems with Bears
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Black bears are curious, smart and very adaptable. They’re not fussy and will eat just about anything with calories. Bears want to get the most energy they can with the least amount of effort. Every bear’s goal is to get fat enough to live through the winter. Bear Calorie Counter
Bird seed (7 lbs) = 12, 180 calories
Dog Food (25 lbs) = 42,425 calories
Peanut Butter (28 oz) = 4,750 calories
Shortening (3 lbs) = 12,430 calories
Berries (1 lb) = 2,000 calories
Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easy-to-get-at human food, garbage, pet food, bird seed or other attractants. When people allow bears to find food, a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its wariness of humans.
Bears that get too comfortable around people can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety. Habituated bears must often be destroyed. Please don’t let bears die needlessly. Do your part to bear-proof your home and property, and help keep bears alive and wild.