ASPEN – Aspen City Council agreed to more than double the proposed fines in a new city wildlife harassment ordinance brought forward by the Aspen Police Department.
The Aspen Times reports the police department recommended fines of $100, $250 and $500 in the ordinance. But council members instead elected Monday to make it $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second and $999 for the third, along with an appearance in municipal court.
A second review will be put in front of council in the near future, when the public can weigh in.
Councilman Bert Myrin suggested the price increase in fines, saying a $100 “selfie” with a bear is a drop in the bucket for a tourist who is paying $500 a night for a hotel room.