TRINIDAD, COLORADO – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers have cited a Trinidad man for the careless discharge of a firearm after he shot and killed two bear cubs outside his home. The incident occurred on September 17, when a sow and her three cubs were reportedly attacking his chickens. While two of the cubs died, CPW officers managed to capture the third, which was later released into suitable bear habitat.
The surviving cub, a healthy male weighing around 40 pounds, was evaluated by CPW officers before being relocated. According to Mike Brown, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for the region, the abundance of acorns and chokecherries in the area should allow the cub to thrive. “It should easily survive,” Brown stated, noting the favorable conditions in the wild.
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
CPW officials also attempted to trap the sow involved in the incident, but it managed to evade capture. Officers are asking local residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of the bear immediately. Brown emphasized the unusual nature of the encounter, particularly within city limits.
“This is a highly unusual situation inside city limits,” Brown said. “Property owners are within their legal rights to defend their livestock if their animals are being attacked by predators, such as bears or lions. However, this individual was shooting a rifle inside city limits, and we deemed it an act that endangered human life and property of neighbors.”
The man now faces a Class 2 misdemeanor charge for the careless discharge of a firearm, punishable by a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips
This incident underscores the importance of properly managing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in areas where bears are active. Property owners should take precautions to protect their livestock by securing chicken coops and removing attractants like pet food and garbage. For bear-related issues, contacting CPW for advice or assistance can prevent incidents like this from escalating.
Learn more about avoiding wildlife conflicts on the CPW website here.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
