U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A recent rise in bear sightings at the Academy can be stopped if families living in base housing took a few precautions, an installation official said.

"Nothing makes a hungry bear happier than finding open trash can in base housing, but consuming garbage and human food has the potential to kill these roving omnivores," said Brian Mihlbachler, the Academy's Natural Resources Manager. "Access to trash also tempts bears into making more frequent contact with people, which can create a dangerous situation. And of course, feeding bears and other wildlife only aggravates the problem and is illegal in Colorado."

Mihlbachler said a few easily-taken steps by base housing residents could very likely reduce the number of annual bear sightings here: locking bear-proof trash containers, placing bird feeders inside the home, keeping pet food indoors and cleaning and storing barbecue grills indoors.

Base residents can report bear problems or sightings to the 10th Security Forces Squadron at 333-2000, the Natural Resources Office at 333-3308, or to the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron at 10 CES/CECN (Bear Watch).

To replace or repair a bear-resistant container, call 867-9675 or 333-3053.

Visit cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx for more information.