Urge City of Golden to use bear proof waste containers
I have lived in Golden for nearly ten years. This week was the first time a bear has ventured into my neighborhood on the east side of town (which I do not mind, we share a habitat). However, in conjunction with the state increasing the penalties for luring bears, I believe it is reasonable to expect our municipalities to do their part in preventing conflict as well. I am retrofitting my waste containers to be bear resistant now that I know there is bear activity in the area; however, that alone will not do much when a bear can have its pick of any can on the curb the morning of trash day. Sadly, the current policy on nuisance bears is two strikes, the second offense results in a death sentence. If that doesn’t persuade you, the increased penalty (as of Wednesday) for attracting bears is a misdemeanor and $5,000 fine for repeat offenses - which includes leaving unsecured trash cans out (even on trash day).
HB 26-1342 - Signed: https://leg.colorado.gov/bill\_files/116747/download
Change.org petition here: https://c.org/8pxHyjxd98