Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has reported the twelfth bear attack of the year, occurring early Thursday morning near Pine Valley in Clear Creek County. A local homeowner on Castlewood Drive investigated noises on his deck around 1 a.m., discovering a bear near his trash cans. The encounter escalated when the bear charged the man after he attempted to scare it away, ultimately leading the homeowner to kick the animal in self-defense. This incident underscores the increasing frequency of negative wildlife-human encounters, primarily driven by bears seeking food in residential areas during drought conditions.
The homeowner's initial attempt to deter the bear by yelling was met with a charge. He then pushed the bear back, causing it to retreat momentarily before charging a second time. It was during this second charge that the man kicked the bear, prompting it to finally leave the property. Following the attack, the homeowner sought medical treatment for injuries sustained. As of the latest report, the bear involved in the incident has not been located by wildlife officials.
CPW emphasizes that trash is a significant attractant for wildlife, especially for bears currently desperate for food. Severe drought conditions have led to a scarcity of natural food sources in the backcountry, driving bears into populated areas at higher rates in search of calories. This makes securing potential food sources, such as household trash, critical for preventing conflicts. Even locked trash bins can act as attractants, and storing trash inside a garage may lead to property damage as bears attempt to break in.
To minimize the risk of bear encounters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers several recommendations, beginning with proper trash management. Residents are advised to ensure their trash bins are secure and bear-proof. While keeping all trash inside until collection day is often unrealistic, providing an easy meal for bears should be avoided. Many waste management companies in Colorado offer bear-proof options, and similar devices can also be found online.
Beyond securing trash, CPW suggests utilizing motion sensor lights to deter bears. Placing trash bins in areas that illuminate when a bear approaches can be an initial step in hazing the animal away. Integrating a security system with automatic lights allows for remote viewing and assessment of the situation, helping residents determine if further action is necessary. When a bear is on the property, hazing it away with sounds is recommended, but from a safe distance. Triggering a vehicle alarm is often effective, as are banging pans or shouting, preferably from inside through a window.
It is also crucial to address other potential attractants beyond trash. Items such as bird seed, dog food, and accessible water can draw bears to an area. These should be kept secure and in scent-proof containers. Finally, reporting bear sightings and conflicts is vital. Informing neighbors about bear activity helps create community-wide awareness for securing attractants. Additionally, reporting all bear conflicts, including instances where trash has been consumed, directly to Colorado Parks and Wildlife assists the agency in tracking problem bears and taking appropriate measures to protect both human and bear life.
