Full Breakdown
Bear-Human Encounters Surge Amid Drought and Expanding Development
By Drooid · · How we work
Rising Conflict Across States
Human-bear interactions have risen sharply this year in the United States. State wildlife agencies report record numbers of sightings, complaints, and lethal removals. Colorado Parks and Wildlife confirmed 10 bear attacks—the highest count on record—and received 8,672 reports of sightings or conflicts during the reporting period, more than double the 2025 total and over three times the five-year average. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department expects its bear-kill tally to be among the highest ever recorded. Similar spikes are documented in Connecticut, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, and other western states.
Background and Contributing Factors
Experts link the surge to three interrelated trends. First, a warmer winter and severe drought have limited natural foods such as berries and acorns, driving bears into “hyperphagia” as they bulk up for winter. Second, bear populations have rebounded over the past five decades after historic persecution and habitat loss, with the Missouri Department of Conservation noting sustained growth of black, brown and grizzly bears. Third, human development and recreation have expanded into bear habitats; the National Park Service recorded 331 million park visitors in 2024, up from 268 million in 1994, increasing the likelihood of encounters.
Data and Statistics
| Region / State | Recent Reports (annual) | Notable Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (2026) | > 8,600 sightings; 294 bears euthanized; 10 attacks | Record-high lethal removals |
| Connecticut (2022-2026) | >= 60 reports per year (vs. < 25 in 2014-2020) | Growing urban incursions |
| Florida (2021-2025) | > 6,400 complaints per year (vs. 2,500 average 2006-2010) | First black-bear hunting season since 2015 |
| New Mexico (2024-2026) | Multiple home intrusions; one fatal attack on a firefighter | Human fatalities emerging |
| Oregon (2024) | Park closures after bear charges on fishermen | Preventive closures |
| Russia (2026) | >= 20 fatal attacks in 11 regions; 7 deaths in Krasnoyarsk Krai | Population doubled since 1990 |
Official Statements & Responses
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) advises residents to “never feed or approach bears” and outlines “BearWise Basics” such as securing garbage, removing bird feeders, and storing pet food indoors. The Colorado Bear Coalition recommends electric mats over nail boards to deter bears while minimizing injury risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “None of us got into this job to kill the animals we love,” — Dan Thompson
- “We definitely are seeing more people moving into areas where bears are common, and so that does lead to more encounters,” — Nate Bowersock, Missouri Department of Conservation
On-the-Ground Reports
In Colorado, a black bear bit a woman through her tent and another entered a condo at night, scratching a resident. A New Mexico bear killed a 67-year-old wildland firefighter inside his home. In Oregon’s Sandy River Delta, two fishermen were charged by a bear, prompting police to close the park while ODFW staff searched for the animal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
U.S. sources focus on non-fatal incidents and lethal removals, whereas Russian reports highlight fatal attacks, with Reuters noting at least 20 deaths this year. No single U.S. agency provides a nationwide fatality count, creating a gap in comprehensive risk assessment.
What’s Next
State wildlife departments plan to expand bear-proofing outreach, distribute electric deterrent mats, and increase monitoring of bear movements during drought conditions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to track sightings and conflicts, while ODFW and the Colorado Bear Coalition will evaluate the effectiveness of non-lethal deterrents in upcoming seasons.