Story perspectives

Colorado Criminalizes Bear-Attracting Trash, Fines Up to $5,000

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Colorado enacted House Bill 26-1342 on Aug. 12, criminalizing leaving food or trash that attracts bears and raising the third-offense fine to $5,000.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife logged 6,129 bear sightings and conflicts, nearly double last year and already exceeding the 5,299 reports recorded for 2025.
CPW said drought, wildfires and low snowpack cut natural foods, driving bears into neighborhoods, and urged residents to secure garbage and remove attractants.

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Story summary

Colorado enacted House Bill 26-1342 on Aug. 12, criminalizing leaving food or trash that attracts bears and raising the third-offense fine to $5,000.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife logged 6,129 bear sightings and conflicts, nearly double last year and already exceeding the 5,299 reports recorded for 2025.
CPW said drought, wildfires and low snowpack cut natural foods, driving bears into neighborhoods, and urged residents to secure garbage and remove attractants.