Sign the petition and be the voice for our majestic Colorado black bears. Together, we can make a positive change in their conservation and treatment.

Colorado's majestic black bears are an integral part of our natural environment, playing a vital role in the state's ecosystem. These magnificent creatures contribute to the biodiversity of our forests and help maintain the balance of nature. Yet, current policies of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) often lead to the unfortunate and unnecessary killing of non-dangerous black bears when human encounters occur. It is time for a change in how we handle these encounters to ensure the protection and preservation of these remarkable animals.

The Importance of Black Bears: Black bears are an iconic symbol of Colorado's wilderness, and they are essential to the health of our ecosystems. They disperse seeds, help control insect populations, and promote the growth of vegetation. Their presence contributes to a more vibrant, diverse, and sustainable environment.

Mother Bears and Their Young: It's important to remember that black bear mothers are fiercely protective of their cubs, as is true for many animal species. A mother's defense of her young does not equate to aggression. It's a natural, instinctual behavior, and we should respect and understand it. These protective actions should not lead to the unnecessary loss of bear lives.

Change in CPW Policies: We, the undersigned, call upon Governor Polis to reevaluate and change CPW policies regarding black bear encounters. We believe that encounters with black bears that do not result in human injury should not lead to the killing of these animals. Instead, we advocate for the following:

1. Education and Awareness: Invest in public education programs to raise awareness about coexisting with black bears, understanding their behaviors, and taking necessary precautions.
2. Non-Lethal Intervention: Relocation is often considered as a solution, but it's crucial to understand that relocating bears is a complex process that rarely works as intended. It can introduce bears into competitive territories, leading to conflicts and increasing stress for the animals. Furthermore, the use of tranquilizers, while a well-intentioned approach, carries a significant risk of unintended harm or death to the bears. Therefore, we advocate for the development and implementation of more effective, non-lethal methods for managing non-dangerous bear encounters. These methods should prioritize the safety and well-being of both bears and humans, and should include bear-resistant containers and hazing techniques as more humane and viable alternatives.
3. Community Involvement: Foster a sense of shared responsibility among Colorado's communities for the welfare and conservation of black bears, including reporting sightings, supporting bear-safe practices, and participating in bear-friendly initiatives.
4. Data Collection and Research: Encourage the collection of accurate data on black bear populations, behavior, and movements to inform effective conservation strategies.
5. Appropriate Signage: Ensure that appropriate signage is strategically placed in areas where black bear sightings have occurred to alert citizens and visitors about the presence of bears and provide guidelines for safe interactions.
6. Trash Ordinance Enforcement: Advocate for the strict enforcement of trash ordinances designed to protect bears. When violations are reported, prompt action should be taken to ensure the safety of both bears and humans.

Conclusion: It is our moral duty to protect Colorado's black bears, respect their place in our ecosystem, and adopt more humane and sustainable approaches to managing encounters. We urge Governor Polis to take these concerns seriously and work with CPW to implement these changes. By doing so, we can ensure the coexistence of humans and black bears while preserving the beauty of our natural environment for future generations. Please sign this petition to make a difference and advocate for the protection of Colorado's black bears.