Routt County reports 410% surge in bear incidents

Routt County, Colorado, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in bear activity, with reported incidents increasing nearly 410% compared to the same period last year. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife records, 952 incidents were reported in the county through September 10, up from 187 during the same timeframe in 2025.

Local officials and wildlife educators attribute this extreme behavior to food scarcity caused by environmental factors, including low snowpack, wildfire seasons, late-spring frosts, and widespread drought. This year, 13 bears in Routt County have been euthanized and nine relocated, a sharp rise from last year when no such actions were taken. Additionally, two bear attacks have been reported in the county so far this year.

Steamboat Springs Police Chief Mark Beckett noted a significant rise in calls, with August seeing 212 reports compared to just 20 in August 2025. Christy Bubenheim, lead educator for the nonprofit Keep Bears Wild – Steamboat, warned that bears are becoming more aggressive and less predictable when defending food sources, advising residents to exercise increased caution.