Bear

[Steven B in PV]

Here's an idea, plant native flowering species for hummingbirds. I know it's not like having the red plastic feeder hanging so you can watch out your window or see multiple hummers feed all at once and become territorial and stressing them in the fight for food.
Feeders are a concentrated source of food for hummers and bears, they learn.

https://rockies.audubon.org/habitat-hero...ah-wyoming

Yeah, Hollis!

We plant native hummingbird flowers bigtime, every year.  The hummingbird gardens and our hummer meadow keep expanding.  As I take out conifers for fire mitigation, the flowers and shrubs take over.

Be aware that more and more nursery flowers labeled as "attracts hummingbirds" don't actually provide the natural sugars hummers need.  They visit once, then nevermore.  My truck tail lights attract hummingbirds, but the birds don't get much from them.  

Native Rocky Mountain flowers work best but some hybrids provide sugars, too.  Experiment, experience, take notes.  Collect native seeds conservatively, saving others to propagate from the mother plant.  Plant or spread the species knowledgably to grow successfully. 

Clean, well managed sugar water feeders are good for the birds, and for people to watch them.  But, it's our responsibility to exclude bears, raccoons,  moose, and little kids who might enjoy drinking the sugar water.  Just like excluding mice, pack rats, bats, etc., from our homes, it takes thought, planning and effort.  But the payoff can be big.  Raising feeders via pulley systems or otherwise to the 8-10 ft. level, electric fences, and preparations to softly haze bears work well.  

Predators and scavengers (bears are both), will return to a site where they are successful.  Prevent the securement of food and they aren't compelled to return.

The recent campaigns to stop all bird feeding has been a disaster in the effort to connect people with wildlife.  Don't be a victim.  Take control.  Be responsible.  Get real with wildlife, or go live in an apartment in Boulder.  Engage and enjoy life.  Why do you live in the mountains, anyway?