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CPW Responds to Two Black Bear Attacks in Colorado

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 3:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

CPW Investigates Bear Attacks

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) investigated two black bear attacks on women over a weekend.
The first bite occurred at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept 11, at Park Creek Campground, puncturing a woman.
The second attack happened at 2 a.m. on Sept 13 when a bear entered a Durango condo and scratched a teen.
CPW set a trap and warned residents, citing drought-driven hyperphagia and over 6,000 sightings as causes.

Summary

Colorado Officials Kill Bears

State officials euthanized nearly 300 black bears in Colorado in 2026.
Officials relocated 98 bears in 2026, up from 33 in 2025, to curb conflicts.
Drought-induced food shortages are driving bears into towns, prompting expanded trapping and lethal removal plans.
Bears have been sighted in 41 of Colorado’s 64 counties this year.

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CPW Investigates Bear Attacks

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) investigated two black bear attacks on women over a weekend.
The first bite occurred at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept 11, at Park Creek Campground, puncturing a woman.
The second attack happened at 2 a.m. on Sept 13 when a bear entered a Durango condo and scratched a teen.
CPW set a trap and warned residents, citing drought-driven hyperphagia and over 6,000 sightings as causes.

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