Bear attacks, encounters in Colorado rising at historic rate

Key Points:

• Bear sightings and encounters are increasing across Colorado and other U.S. states as bears enter hyperphagia, seeking food to build fat reserves for winter, with drought conditions worsening their search for natural food sources.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has received 6,129 bear-related reports through August 13, nearly double the number from last year and surpassing the total for all of 2025, marking the highest level since digital tracking began in 2019.
• Recent incidents in Colorado include bears attacking people in Aspen and Steamboat Springs, entering homes and cars, and causing damage in residential areas, leading to some bears being euthanized or relocated by wildlife officers.
• Similar bear activity has been reported in other states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, with a fatal bear attack occurring in New Mexico amid drought-driven food scarcity and increased human-bear conflicts.
• Authorities advise the public to avoid feeding or approaching bears, secure trash and food sources, hike in groups while making noise, carry bear spray, and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.