A man leaving a laundry room at an Eagle-Vail apartment complex was injured by a bear Monday afternoon.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said in a press release that the female black bear swiped at him, causing an arm injury. He was treated at a local hospital and released.
CPW officers remained in the area overnight to capture the sow and her cubs. However, wildlife officials believe the presence of a larger male bear in the area prompted them to stay away. CPW placed a bear trap in the neighborhood following the attack.
“Colorado has recorded a high number of bear reports this year,” CPW said in its statement. “Severe drought conditions have limited natural food sources, forcing bears to make broader movements in search of food.”
As late summer turns to fall, bears enter a phase known as hyperphagia, when they focus intensely on consuming up to 20,000 calories a day to prepare for winter hibernation, officials said.
They urge residents to secure food sources, including trash cans, and take precautions to prevent human-bear conflicts.
