CPW offers $1 million in grants to communities that reduce human-bear conflicts

Tamera Twitty, The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
·1 min read

Mar. 14—Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is offering $1 million dollars worth of grants to support projects that help reduce human-bear conflicts in communities around the state as the Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program enters its second year.

CPW received more than 18,000 reports of bear sightings and conflicts with bears between 2019-2022. With spring just a week away, the state's bears will likely become more active very soon.

"Bear behavior is consistent and predictable," said Area Wildlife Manager Tim Kroening in a news release.

"They spend all day looking for food and most conflicts with humans can be traced back to a human provided food source like trash and bird seed. That is why humans are the focal point for wildlife managers when trying to reduce conflicts with bears."

The Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program encourages communities to develop new solutions to solve the human-bear conflict issue. Grant money will be allocated through a competitive process in the coming months.

"Local governments, NGOs, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities and individuals are all eligible to receive funding. Applicants can apply for grants between $50,000 and $500,000," the release said.

CPW is looking for projects that:

* Reduce the availability of attractants to black bears

* Have local support

* Are cost-effective

* Utilize proven techniques

In 2022, the program was funded by the passage of House Bill 21-1326, signed by Governor Polis.

"This program was so successful that CPW decided to continue the program and fund it themselves," the release said.

Applications are due on May 5 and can be found on the CPW website.