Boulder Bear Coalition

The Boulder Bear Coalition is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing human-bear conflicts in Boulder, Colorado. It was founded in 2012 by Brenda Lee to address the growing issue of black bears entering urban areas in search of food. The coalition's mission is to keep local black bears wild and free while ensuring the safety of the Boulder community.

Mission and Objectives

The organization focuses on educating and empowering residents to prevent bears from entering town by reducing attractants and enhancing deterrents. Key strategies include:

• Securing Trash: Utilizing bear-resistant trash carts or enclosures to prevent bears from accessing waste, which is a primary attractant for them.
• Reporting Trash Violations: Encouraging community members to report unsecured trash through appropriate channels.
• Removing Attractants: Advising residents to remove or secure other potential attractants such as bird feeders and fruit trees.
• Community Education: Providing extensive guidance on how to live with black bears and developing community-based solutions to human-bear conflicts.

Achievements

The Boulder Bear Coalition played a crucial role in the passage of the Bear Protection Ordinance in Boulder, which mandates the use of bear-resistant trash containers in certain areas. This legislation was passed unanimously by the City Council, reflecting the coalition's effective collaboration with local government and wildlife management agencies.

The organization is also a founding member of the Community Fruit Rescue, aimed at reducing attractants by harvesting fruit from residential trees. Additionally, the coalition received funding from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant Program for projects aimed at enhancing bear protection measures.

Affiliations

Boulder Bear Coalition is a member of the Colorado Bear Coalition, a statewide nonprofit focused on reducing human-bear conflicts across Colorado. The Colorado Bear Coalition was established in 2022 to replicate successful local efforts, such as those in Boulder, on a broader scale.

Leadership

Brenda Lee is the founder of the Boulder Bear Coalition and has been instrumental in driving efforts to protect black bears in Boulder. She continues to play a leading role in the Colorado Bear Coalition, utilizing her experience to guide statewide initiatives.

Funding and Recognition

The coalition has received grants from organizations like Colorado Parks and Wildlife for innovative projects, including constructing bear-friendly enclosures. This financial support underscores the organization's commitment to proactive bear management strategies.

Conclusion

The Boulder Bear Coalition serves as a model for community-led wildlife conservation, demonstrating how effective collaboration between residents, local government, and wildlife experts can reduce human-bear conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife.