Bear Resistant Containers
YOU ARE IN BEAR COUNTRY!
What You Need To Do
If you are camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the White River and Gunnison National Forest, you must store all food and other items that might attract bears in a bear-resistant food container certified through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. This applies at night and during the daytime when the items are unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of items that must be stored in a bear-resistant manner.
For more information including a list of Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved bear-resistant food containers, visit https://igbconline.org/.
For the specific order requiring the bear-resistant food storage and other information about the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the White River and Gunnison National Forest
PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE BEARS!
This order is in place to protect you and your family, the people who camp after you, and the bears themselves.
Every year we see dangerous conflicts resulting from improper food storage. These types of incidents can ultimately end up with people being injured and the bear being killed.
Black bears are highly intelligent and learn quickly, especially if they successfully find food. Don’t teach them that campsites mean food! Learn more about bears.
Where Can I Get A Bear-Resistant Food Container?
Bear-resistant containers are available for sale from most outdoor equipment stores such as REI. You can rent them from several sporting goods stores within the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District area. The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District also has some available for loan; call (970)963-2266 for more information.