Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says conflicts between bears and people have reached their highest level since 2019. Between January 1 and December 1 of this year, CPW received more than 5,000 bear-related reports, slightly higher than the number recorded during the same period last year.
Wildlife officials note that most incidents involve bears trying to access human food sources. Residents are urged to secure all attractants, including trash, pet food, and bird feeders, to help keep bears out of neighborhoods. CPW warns that if food remains available, bears may continue to stay active even through the winter months.
Officials continue to encourage the public to practice Bear Aware habits to reduce conflicts statewide.
