URGENT UPDATE: Colorado is experiencing an alarming surge in bear conflicts, with reports hitting a staggering 5,259 between January 1 and December 1, 2025. This marks the highest number since 2019 and exceeds the seven-year average, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Officials announce that the uptick in bear sightings is not only significant but also poses immediate risks to residents and wildlife alike. The data reveals a troubling trend—an increase of 263 reports from 4,996 in 2024 and a previous record of 4,271 in 2022.
The state of Colorado is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 black bears, and conflicts often arise from their search for food. The availability of natural food sources, such as berries and nuts, influences bear behavior, compelling them to seek human food when their natural resources dwindle. Over half of all bear conflicts last year were attributed to unsecured trash, pet food, and other human food sources.
With the 2025 bear season underway amidst hot and dry conditions, wildlife managers were prepared for an escalation in conflicts. However, Matt Yamashita, CPW’s regional wildlife manager, reported that late summer and early fall yielded an unexpectedly abundant food supply in northwest Colorado. “Given the hot and dry conditions, staff were prepared for limited natural food sources,” said Yamashita. “But many fruit-bearing plants produced significant nuts and berries, which kept bears out of trouble.”
Despite the abundance, certain regions have seen troubling trends. In Grand and Summit counties, Jeromy Huntington noted an increase in bears entering homes, primarily due to poor trash management and unsecured doors and windows. “We continue to see unnecessary conflicts with humans and bears,” Huntington stated, underscoring the need for vigilance.
In Jackson and Routt counties, while interactions decreased overall, bear activity remains high near Steamboat Springs. Regional manager Kris Middledorf emphasized improvements in compliance with bear-resistant trash ordinances, although challenges like unlocked vehicles persist as attractants.
As the season progresses, bear activity is expected to rise, particularly in the months leading to winter. Rachael Gonzales, CPW’s public information officer, explained, “Bears aren’t true hibernators; rather, they enter a state of torpor.” This means that as natural food sources decline, bears will seek alternative food sources, increasing the likelihood of human conflicts.
Reducing these conflicts is a top priority for CPW. The agency reported relocating 68 bears and euthanizing 98 due to conflicts in 2024. The consequences of habituated bears can be dire, as they become increasingly dangerous to humans.
In a proactive move, CPW has allocated nearly $1 million in grants to 22 communities across Colorado in 2025 to address these issues. Additionally, a new working group has been formed to explore solutions aimed at reducing human-bear interactions. Some recommendations from this group may soon reach Colorado’s state legislature in 2026.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As the bear season ramps up, residents are urged to secure trash and food sources to prevent conflicts. The wildlife agency’s commitment to public safety and wildlife management continues, and ongoing updates from CPW will provide critical information as this situation develops.
Stay tuned for the latest developments as Colorado tackles this urgent wildlife challenge.
