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Drought Spurs Record Bear Encounters, Officials Say 187 Killed

9/9/2026

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Summary

Bears Surge

U.S. wildlife officials report a surge in bear-human conflicts as drought pushes bears into populated areas.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife say unsecured trash bins are the leading cause of this year’s bear encounters.
New Mexico wildlife officials and permitted landowners have killed 187 bears this year, the most since 2011.
Scientists link record-low snowpack across the Upper Colorado River Basin to human-caused global warming.

Summary

Neighbor Sprays Bear

A neighbor sprayed a bear that scratched a victim’s knee in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The incident was Colorado’s eighth recorded bear attack in 2026.
The victim sustained minor injuries and did not seek professional medical care.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says feeding wildlife intentionally is illegal under state law.
The agency advises locking doors, storing grills indoors, removing pet food, and securing trash to deter bears.

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Bears Surge

U.S. wildlife officials report a surge in bear-human conflicts as drought pushes bears into populated areas.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife say unsecured trash bins are the leading cause of this year’s bear encounters.
New Mexico wildlife officials and permitted landowners have killed 187 bears this year, the most since 2011.
Scientists link record-low snowpack across the Upper Colorado River Basin to human-caused global warming.

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