Bear Smart Durango

 Since 2003, Bear Smart Durango has focused on preventing human and bear conflict from happening in the first place with the goal of keeping people safe and allowing bears to thrive in their natural environments.

Our efforts are focused on educating the public on living in bear country, reducing the amount of human foods available to bears, striving to have meaningful policies in place,  and providing resources, tools and practical solutions in preventing and resolving human-bear conflict.

THE NEED

In 2024, La Plata County led the state in bears being relocated and reports involving fruit trees. Our county was second highest statewide in bears being euthanized by wildlife officials and reports of trash accessed by bears. 

• 35 bears were killed in human-caused conflict
• 14% of the 98 bears euthanized in the state were euthanized within La Plata County
• 25% of the 68 relocations of bears across the state occurred within La Plata County

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We believe our community can do better.  First, demand better from your elected officials. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. And watch our wonderful Summer Speaker Series - and share the recordings with your neighbors and friends! 

Bear season lasts about eight months, but our work continues year-round. Monthly donations are an easy and powerful way to sustain causes you care about - like keeping people and bears safe in our community.  

                       

 

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

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FRUIT GLEANING WITH THE GOOD FOOD COLLECTIVE

"The bears have been coming back every evening, but they don't stay long. Bear activity has definitely slowed way down since the apple cleaning crew came. Thanks to The Good Food Collective and Bear Smart Durango for all you do!" - Alison, Durango

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PROVIDING RESOURCES TO THE COMMUNITY

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ELECTRIC FENCING TO DETER BEARS

 

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WE WORK ON BEHALF OF THOSE WITHOUT VOICE

HELP US IN WORKING TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE AND ALLOWING OUR WILD 

NEIGHBORS TO THRIVE IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS.