How we stepped up to solve the problem of surplus urban fruit attracting bears.

Problem: The main reason bears come into town is because they are hungry. Towns with unharvested fruit trees create a dangerous attraction for bears.

Solution: Organize neighborhood harvests, where trees bearing large amounts of fruit are harvested by volunteers, providing fruit to tree owners, participants and to food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens. Share the bounty and protect the bears.

Case Study: Founded by Boulder Bear Coalition, Falling Fruit, Boulder Food Rescue and 350 Colorado, Community Fruit Rescue was formed as a 501(c)(3) to help Boulder community harvest and distribute the surplus urban fruit growing throughout Boulder. A portion of the fruit is donated to the bears at The Wild Animal Sanctuary.