Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating two reported black bear attacks on humans that occurred within a span of three days in southern Colorado. One woman was bitten through her tent near South Fork, while a 17-year-old woman was scratched after a bear entered her Durango home through an open bedroom window.
The incidents bring Colorado’s confirmed total to 10 bear attacks on humans in 2026, the highest number recorded in state history.
Woman Bitten Through Tent Near South Fork
The first incident occurred around 5:30am on Friday, September 11th, at Park Creek Campground in the Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork.
According to CPW, the woman was inside her tent when something struck the tent wall. She was then bitten on her right forearm by an animal that remained outside. She could not see the animal but described it as large and said she heard a growl.
Emergency medical personnel treated a puncture wound consistent with a black bear bite. CPW officers later found bite marks, claw scratches, dirt and mud smears, paw impressions and dark hairs around the tent.
The campground was closed for the remainder of the weekend and seasonally closed for the year on September 14th. CPW concluded its investigation without capturing the bear and determined there is no continued public safety threat at the location.
Bear Enters Durango Home
A second incident occurred around 2am Sunday, September 13th, on Escalante Drive in Durango.
CPW said a black bear entered a condo through a cracked bedroom window after ripping away the screen. The bear woke a sleeping 17-year-old woman and approached her bed before swiping her as she remained under several blankets.
The woman suffered three scratches and bruising on her stomach. The bear initially left through the window but briefly returned before fleeing again.
CPW collected suspected bear hair, saliva samples and other evidence from the residence. Officers later reported that a bear entered another nearby home Monday morning. A trap has been placed in the area as CPW attempts to capture and remove the animal.
Colorado Bears Are Seeking Food
Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented year for bear conflicts as drought has reduced natural food supplies. During hyperphagia, bears can consume up to 20,000 calories per day while preparing for winter denning.
Wildlife officials are urging residents to secure trash, lock windows and doors, remove bird feeders and never leave food outside. Residents should also report bear activity and conflicts to CPW. Residents should take extra precautions as bear activity increases across Colorado.