A black bear was killed by an Eagle County Sheriff’s Office deputy after the animal charged officers during an attempt to move a sow and her cubs away from an apartment complex in Colorado.
The incident happened on August 24th, 2026, at approximately 7:30pm at the River Run apartment complex in Eagle-Vail. Deputies responding to a bear report found approximately 40 people, including adults and children, gathered around a sow and her cubs while recording video. Colorado Parks and Wildlife was also responding to the area.
Bear Encounters Had Become Increasingly Common
The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife had responded to River Run multiple times before the August 24th incident because of reported bear activity. On August 17th, a man was injured by a bear with cubs near the complex’s laundry room. Officials have not determined whether the bear involved in that encounter was the same animal killed on August 24th.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the bears appeared to be attracted to trash at the apartment complex. Deputies were particularly concerned because the bears were showing little fear of people while crowds continued to gather around them.
Deputies decided to haze the bears away from the residential area after dispersing the crowd. Hazing is a nonlethal wildlife management technique intended to restore an animal’s natural fear of humans and encourage it to leave developed areas.
Sow Charges Deputies During Hazing Attempt
Deputies initially attempted to move the bears by yelling at them. The effort was unsuccessful, and the sow charged at officers. One deputy then fired nonlethal rounds at the adult bear in an attempt to push her away from the apartments and toward the nearby river. A rubber round struck the bear in her hind legs.
The sow quickly turned toward the deputy and began pacing. The deputy repositioned himself behind a boulder as the bear charged again. Several shots were fired, killing the adult bear. Deputies remained at the scene to give the cubs space. Colorado Parks and Wildlife arrived at approximately 8:50pm and took the two cubs into its care. The cubs are now receiving treatment at the agency’s rehabilitation center in Silt, Colorado.
Officials Warn Residents To Give Bears Space
The Sheriff’s Office said it was heartbroken that the bear was killed in self-defense while emphasizing the responsibility to protect residents and visitors. Officials are reminding people that bears will remain highly active until hibernation begins. Residents and visitors should secure trash, pet food, and other potential bear attractants.
Anyone who encounters a black bear should give it plenty of space and avoid gathering around the animal. Colorado Parks and Wildlife should be contacted during regular business hours. Outside those hours, Eagle County dispatch can be reached at 970-479-2200.