Colorado wildlife officials are asking residents to take a few extra precautions now that black bears have begun to emerge from hibernation.

A state wildlife official predicts that bear activity will increase quickly in the mountains. In fact, two bears have already been sighted in the southwestern portion of Colorado Springs.

"Get ready," said Nick Pinell, a wildlife technician for the Division of Wildlife. "You're going to start seeing a lot of animal activity, especially bears."

Wildlife officials said that residents who live in the foothills or near forest land should be on guard for the bears emerging from hibernation.

"We expect to start getting some reports of bears in the beginning of April," said Dave Lovell, assistant regional manager for the Division of Wildlife in Colorado Springs. "But that will depend on the weather. If it's still extremely cold, then they may hole up in their dens a little bit longer."

Wildlife officials said that residents should put their garbage out on the morning of pickup instead the night before. Also, winter bird feeders should be taken down and doors and ground-level windows should be locked.

"Bears are ingenious," Pinell said. "I've seen a few open car doors."

Last year, there were 350 reports of bear sightings in Colorado Springs and the outlying areas in El Paso County, Pinell said. But this year, there won't likely be as many reports because recent rains should provide bears with an ample supply of berries and acorns, he said.

It's only when there's a food shortage that bears tend to gravitate to garbage cans, he said.

In Aspen, several bears have emerged from hibernation earlier than usual due to warmer weather and a food shortage last spring. The sudden influx caused some residents to scurry for bear-proof trash bins that are required by law in the resort town.