There are bears in the Telluride region. They have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food from literally miles away. They enter subdivisions, and even the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village.They are not dangerous unless provoked - follow these simple rules strictly
If a bear stands upright or moves closer to you, it may be trying to detect smells in the air. This isn't a sign of aggression. Once it identifies you, it may leave the area or try to intimidate you by charging to within a few feet before it withdraws
At Home
Never ever intentionally feed a bear.
Store garbage outside in bear-proof containers or inside a detached building.
Don't leave pet food outside where bears can get to it.
Move hummingbird and bird feeders inside at night.
Clean and store barbecue grills inside a structure after every use.
Don't put fruit or melon rinds, meat or grease in a mulch or compost pile.
In Camp
Don't store food or eat in your tent.
Don't sleep in the clothes you wore while cooking or eating. Store these clothes outside the tent.
Keep clothing, grills, camp stoves and tables free of grease.
Store your food in the trunk of your car or suspend it at least 10 feet off the ground between two limbs too small for a bear to climb.
Don't keep toiletries inside your tent or wear perfume or cosmetics.
If you encounter a bear
Back away slowly while facing a bear.
Speak softly to the bear and try not to show fear,
Fight back if a bear attacks you. Use rocks, sticks, binoculars or any object that may be available
