Western North America sees surge in black bear conflicts

Wildlife officials in the Western United States and Canada are reporting a significant increase in black bear sightings and human-wildlife conflicts. In the U.S., states such as Colorado and Utah have seen dramatic surges. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recorded 6,129 reports through mid-August, nearly doubling the 3,115 reports from the same period in 2025. Utah has also seen a doubling of incidents, with wildlife officers responding to 168 calls as of late August compared to 83 in the previous year.

Experts attribute this trend to extreme drought, wildfires, and erratic weather patterns, which have depleted natural food sources and driven bears toward human settlements. In New Mexico, a black bear attack resulted in one fatality. In Utah, bears have been spotted in orchards and near residential areas, leading to relocations and, in some cases, euthanasia.

In response to these trends, the City of Fernie in Canada is urging residents to minimize attractants. Officials note that garbage accounts for 80 per cent of bear-human interactions. Residents are advised to follow strict garbage set-out times, remove bird feeders, pick ripening fruit, and secure pet food to reduce the likelihood of conflict.