DENVER, COLORADO — Bear conflicts in Colorado have surged significantly in 2024, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reporting 4,644 sightings and encounters statewide from January to November—a marked increase from 3,414 incidents in the same period last year. The state’s current numbers reflect the third-highest bear activity rate in six years, underscoring the importance of “bear-aware” practices for Colorado residents to keep communities and bears safe, according to CPW.
Wildlife managers across Colorado attribute much of the uptick in conflicts to human food attractants and varying natural food availability. In southwestern Colorado’s Area 15, for instance, a fruitful year for domestic trees led to an 842-incident record, according to Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta. With bears biologically driven to seek high-calorie food sources, Archuleta noted that residents need to be vigilant about securing trash, removing fruit, and locking doors and windows. “People must remain vigilant year-round,” he said, “and use bear-resistant containers for trash to avoid these conflicts.”
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Statewide, CPW encourages residents to call wildlife offices or report bear encounters to seek specific advice on bear-proofing their properties. Bear-aware tips also include securing trash cans and dumpsters, removing bird feeders, locking cars and garages, and hazing bears if they approach.
The variability in natural food sources due to weather patterns has also shaped regional bear behaviors. In northwestern Colorado, Wildlife Manager Johnathan Lambert of Area 6 reported increased bear conflicts related to a sparse berry and acorn yield following a cold, wet spring. Meanwhile, in Aspen’s Area 8, a similar crop failure led to severe incidents as bears turned to human areas to supplement their diets. Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita noted the risk of bears entering homes and added, “Small actions like locking doors and windows go a long way in preventing harm to both humans and bears.”
The CPW continues to support local efforts to reduce human-bear conflicts through financial resources and community education. This spring, CPW offered up to $1 million in grants through its Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program to help local communities secure bear-proof trash receptacles and other deterrents. Area 15’s Southern Ute Indian Tribe was one recipient, with funding used to distribute bear-resistant trash cans to tribal members.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Regional Bear Incident Breakdown
- Clear Creek, Gilpin, Park, and Jefferson Counties (Area 1): Despite sufficient natural food, human conflicts increased due to improperly managed trash and bird feeders.
- Boulder and Surrounding Counties (Area 2): High conflict levels reported, with bears targeting trash, livestock feed, and vehicles.
- Larimer and Weld Counties (Area 4): Conflicts rose around Fort Collins as bears searched for food amid a warm, dry fall.
- Denver Metro (Area 5): Persistent issues with trash and bird feeders; drought continues to impact bear food sources.
- Mesa and Garfield Counties (Area 7): Human-bear conflicts doubled as food shortages drove bears to residential areas, and road-related bear fatalities increased.
- San Luis Valley (Area 17): Below-average conflicts, but trash and fallen fruit remain significant attractants.
CPW reiterates that securing trash and other attractants is the most effective way to keep bears wild and avoid dangerous encounters. For more information on bear-aware practices, visit the CPW website or contact local wildlife offices.
Bear Safety Tips
With bear conflicts increasing, CPW advises residents and visitors to:
- Secure all garbage in bear-resistant containers and put out trash only on the morning of collection.
- Remove bird feeders and attract birds naturally by planting native flowers.
- Lock doors and windows at home and in vehicles, and secure food when camping.
- Haze bears with loud noises if they approach, keeping them wary of humans.
Taking these measures helps safeguard both people and Colorado’s bears.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
