Full Breakdown
Colorado Records Record-Breaking Bear Attacks Amid Drought
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Incidents
On September 11, a woman camping at Park Creek Campground near South Fork was bitten through her tent wall. She reported a large animal striking the fabric, hearing a growl, and sustaining a puncture wound on her right forearm that officials identified as consistent with a black-bear bite. Emergency personnel treated the wound and collected a swab.
Two days later, on September 13, a 17-year-old girl sleeping in a Durango condo was awakened when a black bear ripped a window screen, pushed the cracked window open, and entered the bedroom. The bear swiped her stomach, leaving three scratch marks and bruising. The teen protected herself with blankets and frightened the animal away by screaming.
Both incidents were classified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) as “bear attacks,” the agency’s term for any encounter in which a person is injured.
Background: Drought and Hyperphagia
State officials link the surge in human-bear conflicts to a prolonged drought that has depleted natural food sources such as berries, fruits, and insects. During hyperphagia, bears can require up to 20,000 calories per day and increasingly seek anthropogenic foods—trash, pet food, bird feeders, and unsecured garbage. The same conditions have driven a rise in bear sightings across the state.
Data & Statistics
- 10 confirmed bear attacks in 2026, the highest number ever recorded in Colorado.
- ? 6,000 bear sightings reported statewide, nearly double the previous year.
- An estimated 17,000–20,000 black bears inhabit Colorado.
These figures show a marked increase in both bear activity and risky encounters with humans.
Official Responses
District Wildlife Manager Luke Clancy noted the teen’s “very lucky” circumstance of having multiple blankets covering her when the bear swiped.
Rick Basagoitia, Monte Vista area wildlife manager, said the campsite incident was a surprise encounter and that the isolated location’s closure reduces the threat.
CPW has set a trap near the Durango residence and reported another bear entering a nearby home the following Monday, indicating ongoing monitoring.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The bite in this incident was more likely an act of surprise than aggression,” — Monte Vista
- “We want residents to make sure they are closing and locking their doors and windows during this high human-bear conflict year in addition to securing all outside attractants,” — Adrian Archuleta, area wildlife manager
- “Based on what we know happened in this encounter, the woman is very lucky she had multiple blankets covering her when the bear swiped her,” — Luke Clancy
- “This is a human health and safety issue that we take seriously,” — CPW Area Wildlife Manager
What’s Next
CPW plans to capture the bear responsible for the Durango intrusion, citing continued risk to human health and safety. The agency also continues its seasonal education campaign, urging the public to:
- Secure trash, pet food, and bird feeders.
- Lock doors and windows, especially during the high-conflict period.
- Report bear sightings and incidents promptly.
The scheduled closure of Park Creek Campground on September 14 ends public access to that site for the season, reflecting CPW’s precautionary approach as the state navigates an unprecedented year of bear activity.