An elderly woman was injured Thursday morning after an adult bear broke into her Estes Park home, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The incident happened at around 4:30am. on the western side of the Colorado mountain town. Wildlife officials said the bear entered the house through an unlocked but closed first floor window.
The homeowner, a woman in her 80s, told officers she woke up and discovered the bear inside the kitchen on the second floor of her home.
According to the victim, the bear charged her, scratched her across the stomach and knocked her to the ground. The bear then left the home through the same first floor window it used to enter.
The woman called 911, and deputies with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office responded. No bear was located at the scene. The victim later sought medical treatment for her abdominal injuries.
Wildlife Officers Search For Bear
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating the attack and has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in locating the bear involved.
The attack comes amid heavy bear activity around Estes Park. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said multiple bears have reportedly broken into occupied homes and vehicles in the area during the past several days.
Wildlife officers have set traps in an effort to remove bears that pose an immediate risk to public safety. Officials say Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented year for bear conflicts, with drought conditions reducing the availability of natural food sources.
Drought Could Drive More Bears Into Neighborhoods
As bears enter hyperphagia, the period when they dramatically increase their food intake before winter denning, activity is expected to rise. Bears may consume as many as 20,000 calories each day while preparing for winter.
The search for food can push bears into neighborhoods and other populated areas, increasing the potential for dangerous encounters.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging residents to secure trash, lock doors, windows and vehicles, and remove bird feeders until Thanksgiving. Officials also warn residents never to intentionally feed bears or leave food outside.
With bear activity expected to remain high, wildlife officials are asking Colorado residents and visitors to report bear conflicts and help reduce attractants that could bring bears closer to homes.