There are around 8,000-12,000 black bears living in the state of Colorado, living in areas with Gambel’s oak and aspen, near open areas of chokecherry and serviceberry bushes. A single black bear’s range is usually between 10 to 250 square miles. Most of the state’s bears enter hibernation in late November, remaining in and around their dens until mid-March. With spring weather now returning, Colorado’s bears are becoming more active.
Closing day at Keystone Resort was on Sunday, April 6, and while many skiers and snowboarders were out and about celebrating the end of the season, a different animal managed to show face on the mountain. According to Summit Daily News, Greenwood Village resident Brian O’Neal was riding on the green run Last Chance with his son when he had a rather close encounter with a black bear. Fortunately there was no collision and the wild incident was caught on video.
Black bears rarely attack people, even mothers with cubs, unless they really feel threatened, cornered, or are provoked. You should never approach a bear. Instead if one approaches, you can yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises to scare it away. Read more on black bear safety in Colorado below.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Black Bear Safety:
Signs of Aggression
- Huffing
- Popping jaw
- Stomps a paw
- If your presence causes the bear to look up or change its behavior in any way, you are too close.
What do you do if you encounter a bear?
Black bears are highly intelligent and respond uniquely to people and situations. Â Black bears seldom attack unless they feel threatened, cornered, or are provoked.
If a bear comes near your home, do your best to safely chase it away. Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach a bear.
If a bear enters your home or yard, deterrents can be useful in areas where bears have already learned that where there are people, there is usually easy-to get-at food. The purpose of a deterrent is to make your home less attractive and persuade an exploring bear to move on. For a list of deterrents and more, see the “Dealing with an Intruder” section of the Keep Your Home Safer for Wildlife page.
A bear knowingly approaching a person could be a food-conditioned bear looking for a handout or, very rarely, an aggressive bear. Don’t feed this type of bear: instead, stand your ground. Yell or throw small rocks in the direction of the bear. If the bear continues to approach, get out your bear spray and use it when the bear is about 40 feet away. If you’re attacked, don’t play dead. Fight back with anything available. People have successfully defended themÂselves with pen knives, trekking poles, and even bare hands.
Who Do You Call About an Aggressive Bear?
If you have an encounter with a black bear or an attack occurs, immediately contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Before or after these hours, contact the Colorado State Patrol or your local Sheriff’s department. If a person is injured by a coyote, call 911 immediately.
