Securing your trash is the main job of living with bears in Summit County

Black bears live throughout the forests around Summit County, and they have a powerful nose for an easy meal. The single biggest cause of bear trouble here is not the bears, it is unsecured trash.

A bear that finds food once will come back, and a bear that learns to raid cans, coolers, and even homes can end up being put down. Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks residents to keep trash indoors or in bear-resistant containers, bring in bird feeders during bear season, and not leave food in vehicles or on porches. Leaving attractants out where bears can reach them can break state law and local ordinances in some towns and the county.

Why this matters for newcomers: securing trash is not just neighborly, it is often required, and it protects the bears as much as your property. If a bear is in your yard, give it space and a clear exit rather than crowding it, and keep dogs leashed in bear country.

For current guidance on living with bears in Summit County, see Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and check your town or the county for local trash rules.