Colorado Parks and Wildlife Show Bear Sightings are on the Rise

Bear sighting July 31st, 2022, in Poncha Springs (Image: Heart of the Rockies Radio/Terry West)

Posted By: Dan R February 17, 2023

Data released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife show the number of bear sightings in the state rose last year, with the number one reason causing conflict being improperly secured trash.   

In 2022, CPW received over 4,000 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears, which was a 16% increase from 2021. Wildlife managers estimate that Colorado has between 17,000 and 20,000 black bears and the state population is stable and growing.

Bearproof Your Home

Get in the habit of being bear-responsible. It’s like recycling — at first, it’s a little extra effort, but soon it becomes a better way to live. You can be proud you’re helping to make Colorado a better place for people and bears.

  • Don’t feed bears, and don’t put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears. 
  • Be responsible about trash and bird feeders.
  • Burn food off barbeque grills and clean after each use.
  • Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors.
  • Don’t leave food, trash, coolers, air fresheners or anything that smells in your vehicle.
  • Pick fruit before it ripens, and clean up fallen fruit.
  • Talk to your neighbors about doing their part to be bear responsible.

If a bear comes near your home, do your best to chase it away. Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach a bear.

Dan R
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