This year, the devastating effects of drought have significantly reduced the natural nourishment available for wildlife, including bears. As winter approaches, bears are desperately searching for food to build up energy for hibernation. Unfortunately, this quest often leads them into human territories, causing inevitable conflicts. In our community of Golden, Colorado, these interactions are both dangerous and frequently fatal for the bears.

Bear-human interactions are on the rise, and under Colorado's "Two Strike" law, the consequence is often deadly. The first time Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) must deal with a nuisance bear, it is captured, tagged, and released back into the wild. A second offense results in the bear being euthanized. This is an outcome that neither residents nor wildlife officials wish for, yet it continues to happen due to insufficient preventative measures.

One significant change we can make is to require all trash, recycling, and compost cans provided by the City of Golden to be bear-proof or to have existing cans fitted with latches until it is feasible to replace them with proper bear-proof versions. This simple yet effective solution could drastically reduce the instances of bears accessing human waste and, therefore, decrease the likelihood of them returning and being judged as nuisances.

Bear-proof containers are specifically designed to withstand attempts by bears to open them, protecting both our trash and the bears themselves. By making this change, we not only protect our natural ecosystems but also safeguard our community by reducing potential bear encounters.

Golden is a place rich with natural beauty and wildlife, and it is our duty to harmoniously coexist with the creatures that call this area home. Our commitment to environmental conservation must include proactive steps to prevent bear fatalities that are easily avoidable. The implementation of bear-proof waste solutions is a realistic, impactful, and necessary step toward resolving this rising conflict without resorting to lethal methods.

Join me in urging the City of Golden to act decisively and responsibly in preventing unnecessary bear euthanizations. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for bears and people alike. Please sign this petition to show your support for requiring bear-proof waste solutions in our community.