Colorado reports surge in bear sightings and conflicts

Colorado is experiencing a significant surge in bear sightings and conflicts. As of August 13, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has received 6,129 reports statewide, nearly doubling the number of reports from the same period last year and surpassing the total reports for all of 2025.

Wildlife officials attribute this increase to environmental factors, including low winter snowpack, drought, and wildfires, which have reduced the availability of natural food sources like berries, nuts, and grasses. Consequently, bears are increasingly drawn to human settlements to access trash, birdseed, pet food, and barbecue grills. Over 57% of reports are related to trash, while approximately 16% involve other human-provided food sources.

Experts warn that activity may intensify during hyperphagia, a period in late summer and fall when bears feed intensively to build fat reserves for winter. Officials urge residents to secure food sources to prevent bears from losing their natural wariness of humans, which can lead to property damage and increased safety risks.