Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is asking state residents to properly dispose of and secure their trash. The message comes after CPW was forced to euthanize a black bear that fell ill from eating garbage in Telluride. CPW said the bear was experiencing flu-like symptoms and could not digest food. A necropsy determined the animal’s intestines were blocked by paper towels, disinfectant wipes, napkins, and plastic and paper food wrappers; they also found evidence the bear had eaten French fries, green beans, onions, and peanuts. CPW says all trash receptacles that could attract bears should have a locking mechanism.
