While some people seem to assume that black bears are less likely to attack humans than brown bears, that’s not necessarily the case – especially amid a year during which a drought-induced lack of natural food sources in the backcountry has pushed bears closer to civilization.
Black bear attacks are indeed rare, but during a recent August week, four occurred in a matter of days and the details of those attacks show how serious a negative bear encounter can be.
A first attack occurred on August 17 in the area of Eagle-Vail. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, an adult male was leaving an apartment building’s laundry room during the late afternoon when a female black bear swiped at him, scratching his arm. He also tripped and injured his foot while trying to escape. The man was taken to a local medical facility by a family member and later released to recover at home. A bear trap was placed in the neighborhood, though authorities believe that a larger male bear in the area prompted the suspect sow and her cubs to stay away…