URGENT UPDATE: Colorado is witnessing an alarming surge in bear conflicts, with reports skyrocketing to 5,259 between January 1 and December 1, 2025. This represents the highest number of bear incidents since 2019 and exceeds the seven-year average, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s latest data.
Authorities confirm that the rise in bear encounters is largely attributed to the availability of natural food sources. Black bears, which number between 17,000 and 20,000 in Colorado, are increasingly seeking human food, leading to a troubling pattern of conflicts. Last year alone, over half of all reported incidents were due to unsecured trash and other human food sources.
As Colorado faces a hot and dry season, wildlife managers brace for potential conflicts, anticipating that limited natural food will push bears towards urban areas. However, recent reports indicate that the late summer and early fall brought unexpectedly abundant natural food supplies in the northwest region. “Despite initial concerns, this year’s food production has been remarkably good,” said Matt Yamashita, regional wildlife manager for Parks and Wildlife.
In areas like Glenwood Springs and surrounding counties, bear conflicts have historically been the highest. Yet, this year reports indicate a “remarkably low” level of human-bear interactions, thanks in part to natural food availability. However, other regions, including Grand and Summit counties, are experiencing significant increases in bear entries into homes, primarily due to poor trash management and unlocked doors.
While bear activity decreased in Jackson and Routt counties, the threat remains significant, especially near Steamboat Springs, where compliance with bear-resistant trash receptacle regulations is still a challenge. “Unlocked vehicles continue to attract bears,” noted Kris Middledorf, regional manager for Parks and Wildlife.
As the 2025 bear season progresses, wildlife officials stress the need for ongoing vigilance. “Bears aren’t true hibernators; they enter a state of torpor due to natural food shortages,” explained Rachael Gonzales, public information officer for the northwest region.
The consequences of human-bear conflicts can be severe. Once bears learn to associate humans with food, they can pose serious risks. In 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife relocated 68 bears and euthanized 98 due to conflicts. To combat these issues, the agency has allocated just under $1 million to support community initiatives aimed at reducing bear interactions.
WHAT’S NEXT: As bear activity is expected to peak in the coming months, state officials are preparing to present new legislation aimed at enhancing enforcement capabilities and finding innovative solutions to mitigate conflicts. The Parks and Wildlife Commission is actively working on a bill for 2026 that could significantly impact how Colorado manages its bear populations.
With the situation developing, residents are urged to secure trash and food sources to prevent further conflicts. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated: as human-bear interactions continue to rise, the safety of both bears and humans hangs in the balance.
