DENVER (KDVR) — Bear-human conflicts are on the rise in Colorado, according to biologists with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the agency is hoping to help limit further reports through the end of the year.
CPW said that between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1, the state has received 4,644 bear reports. During the same period of 2023, the state received 3,414 (and exceeds the 4,174 reports in 2022 for the same time).
3 bears keep trick-or-treaters on their toes in Castle Pines
This year’s total, which isn’t even completed yet, is the third-highest since 2019 and exceeds the six-year average of 4,247 bear-related conflicts and sightings reported to CPW.
“Natural food production was spotty this year, but Area 15 has plenty of domestic fruit trees around towns and private lands that produced good fruit,” said Area 15 Wildlife Manager Adrian Archuleta, who oversees La Plata and surrounding counties, in a CPW release. “This easily available food source could have drawn bears closer to human-occupied areas, increasing conflicts.”