#bearaware

[campfiresmell]

So lucky to have such a beautiful backyard. And there's beers up 'ere!! 🍻🏔 @stephiesue24 #enjoyingmyviewslikeienjoymybrewscoldnwet #longesthashbrownever #burnittoearnit #bearaware #beeraware #brewwithaview #boretidebar #akallday #alaskalife (at Girdwood, Alaska)

[filkerdave]

#BearAware (at Grand Teton National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgsDkr3P3jb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ginnyandmatt]

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“Thelma” and her four (growing!) cubs strolled through the neighborhood just now. Billie the wonderdog was not amused! #bearaware #blackbears #swannanoanc #adayinthelife (at Swannanoa, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAU3quhKYG/?igshid=a0inhnicwy69

[dustruns]

PSA: If you ever think "Hey should I bring bear spray on this run?" The answer is probably yes. Of course I didn't bring any this morning, intending to just run around near my house and talk loudly. Welllll, plans changed slightly, and barely a mile from my doorstep we ran into TWO brown bear cubs, got bluff charged by their mom, stood our ground (mostly 😂) and then ran home vowing to never let a change of plans prevent a change in preparation again 😳Lesson learned. #takethedamnbearspray #holy💩#alaskaproblems #bearaware (at Eagle River, Alaska) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCv8ptknp6j/?igshid=zkixceyftn4r

[tomaslacika]

🐻 GOOD MORNING BEAR 🐻 . . Not great photo, but story behind definitely is! . Evening: arrival at the hotel in the middle of Whistler village. Party hard until the morning in a club full of kids (30+ yo is saying that). 😆🐵 . Return to the hotel, sleeping for few hours. . Morning: opening eyes, looking from the window (ground floor), and spotting a bear in front of me!! . Running with my wife and friends and a camera to the balcony (ground floor), half dressed, half sober. I started taking pictures, but the damn animal keeps itself behind this bush and after couple of moments leaves with ignorance 😆🐻🇨🇦 . . Later that day we were walking through the village and spotted another black bear at the golf course (people did not mind, continued playing). . Amazing, Canada. . . #blackbear #bear #bearaware #bearsofcanada #bearwatching #canada🍁 #canadasworld #canadianrockies #whistler #blackcomb #whistlerblackcomb #tantalus #tantalusresortlodge #animalovers #animal #tommyswhistler #vacation #forest #cestakzazitkom #natureloversgallery #naturephotography #nature #hikinglocations #hikingculture #hiking #hikingadventures #amazing_shots #eclectic_shotz #carnivore . . @whistlerblackcomb @gowhistler @tantalusresortlodge @medveleserdelyben @explorecanada (at Tantalus Resort Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nxFiEnvtz/?igshid=8f11do1zok09

[alifearoundbaseball]

After a lot of worry and a 4 AM wake up call to get into the park bright and early, we were able to get the campground we’d been dreaming of for the past year. It was the perfect home for our three nights in the park! • • • This black bear thought so too, because not fifteen minutes after we finished setting up our tents, he showed up on the cliff directly above us about twenty feet before meandering down to sniff around our neighbors’ tents. Notice the Bowen boys in their natural state. #bearaware #BowensTakeYellowstone #yellowstonenationalpark (at Pebble Creek Campground) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz56J60nWXW/?igshid=11x1pkim2p7e8

[dwightvasel]

Grizzly Bears in action. #bearaware #nikon600mmf4 #nikon600mm #keepitwild #grizz #grizzly #grizzlyfight #thatswy #wy #wyoming #gtnp #nikon #nikond500 #nikonusa #nikonphotography #wildlifephotographer #wildlife #wildlifephotography (at Grand Teton National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVkwdSHsrw/?igshid=10eca6d7cnge6

[tsgaspencolorado]

Bear Aware in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley

As the snow melts and the days get longer, it becomes obvious that humans aren’t the only residents and visitors in town. Bears are popping up all over the valley as they roll out of a long hibernation. From dashes across Main Street to fresh evidence of visits at construction sites, Aspen’s furriest denizens are making an appearance.

Insurance agent Andrea Gurule points out that when the town says to STAY BEAR AWARE, they mean it.

“It is critically important as bears come out of hibernation that residents of the area remain cognizant of what they are keeping around their homes and in their cars. Bears are hungry and they are in search of food!” Andrea says.

This means keeping food out of cars and keeping your vehicle locked. Bears can actually open your car doors. And if they are hungry enough, they’ll go ahead and break right through that car window. It’s important to keep food inaccessible because a fed bear often results in a dead bear.

“We have had many clients’ homes and vehicles broken into by bears. Bears tend to not only be destructive to the property itself, but they like to leave presents on their way out – none of which residents or vehicle owners want to deal with afterward. Coverage will extend to your cars, but only if you have comprehensive coverage, so check with your insurance agent to make sure you have the proper coverage in place in the event that a bear decides to rummage through your vehicle,” Andrea says.

What about protecting your home? Keep doors and windows on ground level closed, keep your trash cans secured, and consider closing doors inside your home.

“I had one homeowner who had a bear enter while they were at home and they were trapped in their room while the bear rummaged through the common area of the house,” Andrea says. Fortunately, the bear never entered the bedrooms.

Andrea reminds us to be in the KNOW about your homeowners deductible! If a bear does happen into your home, it is important to know how much you are responsible for paying before your insurance will kick in.

Alas, no one in Aspen is looking to create a modern-day version of the classic Goldilocks tale. Get more tips on bear awareness from the Aspen Chamber and check out these wildlife safety tips.

Visit Andrea Gurule, State Farm Insurance Agent. Image by The Scout Guide Aspen. Find this selfie-approved bear on Hyman Avenue near Elliott Yeary Gallery.