3 attacks in 3 days signal alarming jump in human-bear encounters: Officials

Key Points:

• Colorado has experienced a significant rise in bear encounters this year, with reports nearly doubling compared to last year, including incidents of bears breaking into homes, vehicles, and hotels in search of food.
• From January 1 to August 13, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recorded 6,129 bear-related reports, a 97% increase from 2025, alongside a 56% rise in property damage caused by bears.
• Similar increases in bear conflicts have been reported in other Western states such as California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Montana, attributed largely to severe drought and wildfires reducing natural food sources for bears.
• Several recent bear attacks in Colorado resulted in injuries, including a homeless man bitten in Aspen and a woman attacked in her home in Steamboat Springs; some bears involved in attacks have been euthanized by authorities.
• In response to the surge in bear activity, Western states are promoting bear-proofing measures for garbage and outdoor food, with Colorado implementing fines up to $5,000 for those who knowingly leave out food or trash that attracts bears.