A pair of curious black bear cubs surprised homeowners and first responders after breaking into a residence in Roxborough, Colorado, through an open window.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported home break in and quickly discovered that the unexpected intruders were not people at all. Instead, they found two sibling bear cubs exploring the inside of the house after climbing through an open window.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded to assist deputies, and together they safely guided both cubs back outside without injuries to the animals or the responding personnel. Officials did not report any damage to the home or indicate that the cubs’ mother was involved in the incident.
Summer Brings More Bear Encounters
Colorado tends to see increased black bear activity during the summer months. Bears spend this time searching for food and are often drawn into neighborhoods by unsecured trash, pet food, bird feeders, and other easy meals.
Young bears are especially curious and may investigate homes, garages, and sheds if they find an easy way inside. Wildlife officials warn that once bears discover reliable food sources around people, they are more likely to return, increasing the potential for future conflicts. Fortunately this encounter ended safely for both the bears and all people involved.
Officials Encourage Residents To Stay Bear Aware
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents that several recent bear encounters have occurred throughout the community and urged everyone to take steps to reduce attractants around their homes. Secure all garbage, bring bird feeders indoors when bears are active, keep pet food inside, and close and lock lower level doors and windows whenever possible.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife also emphasizes that preventing access to food is the most effective way to keep bears wild and reduce dangerous interactions between people and wildlife. Colorado is home to thousands of black bears, and sightings become more common during the warmer months as bears increase their search for calories. Simple preventative measures can help keep neighborhoods safer while reducing the chances that bears become habituated to human food sources.