The Boulder Bear Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing human-bear conflicts within our community. Our mission is to keep local black bears wild and free while ensuring the safety of the Boulder community.
We focus on educating and empowering residents to prevent bears from entering town by proactively reducing attractants and enhancing deterrents. By addressing the root of the problem, we aim to minimize the need for wildlife managers to respond to crises.
A community is built on shared values. Wildlife is something that most residents in Boulder value, thus the Boulder Bear Coalition was born from a need to create a cohesive understanding of what we can do, in clear steps, to protect bears and how we can effectively apply this information.
Latest News
A proud recipient of the 2024 CPW Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant, the Boulder Bear Coalition was awarded $53,090 to build multiple enclosures on The Hill. 2024 funding recipients of the
For more information on the project go HERE.
Boulder Bear Coalition has FREE bear-resistant residential trash carts available for Nederland residents!
The Boulder Bear coalition, in partnership with Boulder County Parks & Open Space are proud recipients of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 2023 Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant Program.
We encourage anyone in Nederland to apply for a can especially if you have experienced bear activity.
Supplies are going fast! Sign up here.
How to Protect Local Black Bears
#1 Secure Your Trash
Bears are in town because they are hungry! The number one reason that bears come into urban areas is unsecured trash. Please secure your trash by using a bear resistant trash cart or enclosure.
#2 Report Trash Violations
All businesses and residents west of Broadway are required to use bear resistant trash carts to prevent bears from getting into trash (see Bear Protection Ordinance Zone). If you see trash strewn or cans not latched, use Inquire App to report the violation -it could save a bear’s life!
#3 Take Down Birdfeeders
Take bird feeders down between April and November. Even bird seed that falls on the ground is an attractant to bears. Bears will eat during the day, and love hummingbird feeders.
We suggest planting flowers to attract birds.
#4 Harvest Your Fruit Trees
For help harvesting fruit, contact Community Fruit Rescue
Sierra Magazine article about BBC’s role in human-bear conflict
Boulder Bear Coalition, a video summary:
Boulder Bear Coalition is a proud member of the
Colorado Bear Coalition
a statewide nonprofit protecting black bears across Colorado
Boulder Bear Coalition is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
EIN #: 46-3941088
Boulder Bear Coalition 
Hi Brenda Lee, I now giving monetary as well as volunteer (time and energy) support to the Boulder Bear Coalition. I want my cute bear thank you video now!!!
Keep up your good work, Katherine Webster
You need to extend the bear proof trash cans east of Broadway in Boulder.
And I suggested to the city back when we were required to get the bear proof trash cans that they need to plant appropriate bushes up in the foothills so the Bears have food and stay up there.
I don’t think that has happened.
But it seems like common sense.
Madelyn Wynne boulder