DURANGO, Colo. – Changes might be coming to Durango to help keep residents safe from bears with electric fencing.
KOB 4 spoke with Bryan Peterson, executive director of Bear Smart Durango, about potential city code changes to address bear encounters.
“We always have more bears coming into urban areas in these bad food years,” said Peterson. “But we even have bears spending a lot of time up in town in good natural food years.”
Bear Smart Durango is urging city leaders to revise codes on how residents can protect themselves from bears.
“City residents have been at a disadvantage in terms of human bear conflict,” said Peterson. He highlighted issues like property damage and bears getting into fruit trees and chicken coops.
Electric fences and concerns
Electric fences and mats are allowed as bear deterrents in the county, but Durango residents lack this option.
“In the county, electric fences and mats are allowed,” said Peterson. “City residents haven’t had that option.”
Concerns about safety arise with electric fences, but Peterson assures they are safe for people and pets.
“Fence energizers don’t start fires,” said Peterson. “It’s unpleasant but it goes away really fast so it’s safe for people and pets.”
Peterson emphasized that electric fences are more effective than other methods like yelling or using rubber bullets.
City councilors are yet to decide on allowing electric fencing and mats in the city. If approved, Durango will join other Colorado towns with similar measures, said Peterson.
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