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Record 6,129 Colorado bear conflicts driven by drought

8/23/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bears Spark Conflict

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a record 6,129 bear sightings and conflicts from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13, 2026.
A black bear scratched a man’s arm, causing him to trip and requiring medical treatment.
A woman in Steamboat Springs was struck in the face by a bear entering through a door.
Officials say severe drought and hyperphagia are driving bears to seek human food, increasing conflicts.

Summary

CPW Pursues Bears

CPW officers stayed near the Eagle-Vail apartments trying to capture the female bear and cubs.
Officials said a suspected larger male bear nearby deterred the capture effort.
CPW set a bear trap in the neighborhood after the attack.
The agency reported no relocation yet while monitoring continues to prevent further encounters.
An injured man was taken to a local medical facility and later released to recover at home.

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Bears Spark Conflict

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a record 6,129 bear sightings and conflicts from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13, 2026.
A black bear scratched a man’s arm, causing him to trip and requiring medical treatment.
A woman in Steamboat Springs was struck in the face by a bear entering through a door.
Officials say severe drought and hyperphagia are driving bears to seek human food, increasing conflicts.

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