Aspen Parks and Open Space

06/11/2026

It's that time of year when we start receiving calls about baby deer and elk needing help. Mother's will leave their babies so they can feed nearby. Newborns can't keep up with their mothers, so they stay put until mom comes back to nurse them. This is normal. Please don't touch, move, or gather around young wildlife.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Bears are always looking for food... even during your vacation! Bears have noses that can smell lunch from a mile away and the taste buds of the average two-year old; they’ll eat just about anything, including stuff that’s not even food. Some simple precautions will keep bears out of your vehicle, your home away from home and your garbage, leftovers and picnic lunch.

Bears are attracted to trash because it smells great (to a bear) and is usually full of food. Dispose of your trash in a secure container and don’t forget to close and latch the lid. Bears can open unlatched lids with a flip of the paw. Resist the temptation to leave your trash piled up next to a dumpster or in your vehicle overnight. Take it with you or keep it inside a cabin until you can dispose of it properly.

Get more BearWise vacation tips by visiting our page: bearwise.org/vacationing-in-bear-country-what-to-know-before-you-go

Get BearWise. Have a fun vacation. Keep bears wild. Go home happy.

Learn About Bears: BearWise.org

05/20/2026

Save the date for June 6th! Join us in celebrating Arbor Day at Paepcke Park. Enjoy food, family games, raffles, and take home a free tree for your yard!

For more information, email us at [email protected].

05/07/2026

Join us on June 6th at Paepcke Park for our annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway! 🌿

Enjoy food, drinks, and snacks while connecting with local vendors and participating in our mid morning raffle. To take part in the tree giveaway, be sure to scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link below to select your tree in advance. The link also includes event timing and giveaway details.

Let's kick off another beautiful summer together- we can't wait to see you there!

https://www.aspenrecreation.com/parks-trails/natural-resources-division/forestry-events

Únase a nosotros el 6 de junio en Paepcke Park para nuestra entrega anual de árboles del Día del Árbol. 🌿

Disfrute de comida, bebidas y bocadillos mientras se conecta con proveedores locales y participa en nuestra rifa de media mañana. Para participar en la entrega de árboles, asegúrese de escanear el código QR en el volante o usar el enlace a continuación para seleccionar su árbol con anticipación. El enlace también incluye los horarios del evento y los detalles de la entrega.

Celebremos juntos la llegada de otro verano: ¡Ojalá nos acompañen, ahí nos vemos!

https://www.aspenrecreation.com/parks-trails/natural-resources-division/forestry-events

04/17/2026

A bear opens the unlocked car door and climbs in looking for food. The car door closes behind them. The bear struggles to get out, sometimes for hours. This is the result.

04/15/2026

Wildlife Wednesday- Is this a bull or cow moose? How can you tell?

04/14/2026

Join us in learning about wildfire preparedness, Aspen's forest health, and what to expect for the 2026 fire season. The presentation begins at 5:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of the Aspen Fire Station. Everyone is welcome- come learn, ask questions, and spread the word with friends and neighbors!

04/05/2026

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-drought-human-bear-conflicts/

Colorado’s black bears are beginning to stir with the first signs of spring. While the spring wake-up for bears comes right on schedule, this winter’s historically low snowpack, record high temperatures and deepening drought conditions...

04/02/2026

Bears are in town, please follow these steps to help keep bears wild and people safe.

Spring is a time to be extra BearWise. Now is the time to take action to discourage hungry bears from paying you a springtime visit. BearWise has tips for you to make it a BearWise spring.

- Secure garbage and recylces. Store trash and recyling in a sturdy building or bear-resistant container until the morning of pick up.

- Take down bird feeders. If you’re still feeding birds, you could soon find something big, furry and hungry ripping down your feeder. So many calories, so easy to get at. When you take down your feeders, remember to lock up or bring inside any bird seed or other treats you’ve been storing outside.

– Bring in all pet food. Leaving pet food outside where bears can see or smell it is an invitation that can be hard for a hungry bear to resist. Feed pets indoors if at all possible. If you must feed them outside, feed in single portions only, remove bowls and food after feeding and store pet food inside in a secure location.

- Help out your neighbors and community. Share BearWise resources with your community. Visit the BearWise store to download free information fact sheets (including the checklist: How BearWise Are You?) or order handy door hangers and magnets that make house calls for you.

Check out more BearWise spring tips: bearwise.org/seven-tips-for-a-bearwise-spring

Thanks for doing your part to make it a BearWise spring.



BearWise®. Created by bear biologists. Supported by State Wildlife Agencies.
Dedicated to helping people live responsibly with black bears.