Health · Colorado bear attacksBears Move Into Western TownsAired August 30, 2026 at 5:55 AM UTCWritten September 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:00Across the West, depleted mountain forage is pushing more bears toward neighborhoods0:03just as their fall feeding season begins.0:05Colorado Parks and Wildlife logged 6,129 public reports of bear sightings and0:10conflicts from January 1 through August 13th, nearly double the 3,115 reports during0:15the same period last year.0:17Those are reports not unique bears and may include repeat calls.0:20Officials point to a combination of record low mountain snowpack, drought, wildfire,0:25and a late freeze that reduced berries, nuts, and other natural foods.0:29They caution that those conditions do not explain every encounter.0:32Colorado had documented six bear attacks through August 21.0:36All were non-fatal.0:37Pressure is rising elsewhere, too.0:39Utah agencies and partners had responded 168 times by August 25th, more than double0:45the 83 responses recorded during all of last year.0:48New Mexico has relocated 35 adult bears and 16 cubs this year.0:52The risk typically grows into fall as bears intensify their search for calories.0:57Nearly half of Colorado's reported incidents last year occurred from August through1:01October.1:01Wildlife officials say residents can reduce conflict by securing garbage, removing1:06bird feeders and outdoor pet food, cleaning grills, locking homes and vehicles,1:10leashing dogs and reporting problems early.1:13They explicitly warn against feeding bears.1:15Colorado is also increasing accountability.1:18A new law effective August 12th allows fines of up to $5,000 for a third or later1:22offense involving bear attractants knowingly left accessible.1:26The stakes are immediate.1:27Unsecured food can turn a manageable sighting into a home entry, habituation,1:32relocation, or the death of the bear.Explore with HeyDexThe shortThe short ↗