Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is once again warning residents and visitors to stay vigilant after two more separate bear attacks were reported in Steamboat Springs and Aspen this week.
The incidents follow an increase in bear activity throughout the state, with CPW officers responding to a record number of reports this year. Encounters are only expected to grow into the late summer and fall as black bears enter their hyperphagia period.
Two Bear Attacks Reported This Week
In Steamboat Springs, a woman was injured by a black bear after it entered her home near Fish Creek Falls Road around 1am on Monday, August 17th. The bear reportedly forced its way through a sliding glass door by damaging the wooden frame and knocking the door off its tracks.
When the woman tried to chase the bear outside, it struck her in the face. She was able to drive herself to a local hospital and was treated before being released. Wildlife officers collected hair samples from the damaged door for DNA testing and placed a trap at the property.
In Aspen, an adult man was attacked while sleeping in Rio Grande Park shortly after 3am on Wednesday, August 19th. The bear approached and began sniffing him before biting him on the head. The man was able to escape from his sleeping bag and got away before calling for help. He was brought to a hospital for head and facial injuries and was later released.
Wildlife officers were able to local an adult female bear matching the description provided by the victim. The bear had no cubs and was humanely euthanized under CPW policy. It’s body was sent to the CPW Wildlife Health Lab in Fort Collins for a necropsy and DNA analysis.
Colorado Bears Searching For Food
Drought, wildfires, and low mountain snowpack have all reduced natural food sources in parts of Colorado, forcing bears deeper into neighborhoods and towns in search of food. As hyperphagia intensifies, bears can spend up to 20 hours a day searching for calories. Everything from unsecured trash to pet food, birdseed, and dirty grills can all be powerful attractants around homes.
How To Avoid Bear Conflicts
CPW urges residents to secure trash and animal feed, bring pet food indoors, clean outdoor grills, and keep windows and doors locked. Anyone who encounters a black bear should never run. Instead, slowly back away while giving the animal an escape route. If a bear approaches you, stand your ground, wave your arms, and yell until it leaves.
If a black bear makes physical contact, fight back aggressively. Do not play dead. Residents experiencing black bear problems should contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife as soon as possible. Early intervention can help identify and remove attractants before conflicts escalate.