Bear talk

Bear Smart Durango wants to help teach residents how to be more bear savvy, all from the comfort of their laptops.  Starting Wed., May 26, Bear Smart will be presenting its online speaker series, featuring bear experts from around the country. The presentations are geared to give residents a better understanding of black bears, best practices in reducing human-bear conflict, being safe in bear country and how to make our area safe for both people and bears. All presentations will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. with time for a Q&A at the end. Registration for is required.

The schedule follows: 

• Wed, May 26: “The Language of Bears: How bears communicate with us through vocalizations and body posturing,” with Daryl Ratajczak.

• Thurs., June 3: “Electric fencing to protect chickens, bees, small livestock and fruit trees from bears,” with Gillian Sanders

• Thurs., June 10: “Non-fatal attacks by black bears in the lower United States, 2000-17,” with 

Janel Scharhag

• Wed., June 16: “Staying safe in bear country,” with John Hechtel

• Wed., June 23: “Being bear aware helps keep our communities and bears safe,” with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Pre-registration is required. To register or for more info. on the speakers, go to: www.bears­martdurango.org.