CPW reports an above average number of bear conflicts and sightings in 2025

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) received 5,259 bear reports between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2025, marking a slight increase from the 4,996 reports during the same period in 2024. This year's total ranks as the highest since 5,392 in 2019, the year CPW launched a digital report tracking system, and exceeds the seven-year average of 4,583 bear-related conflicts and sightings reported to CPW.

There are an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 bears in Colorado and every year the majority of incident reports involve bears trying to access human food sources. While the last two months of the year see relatively few reports, CPW continues to call on residents to remove attractants to reduce conflicts, keeping you and the bears safe.

Reports of bear sightings and conflicts in Colorado have been increasing steadily the past three years.

Bear reports received, Jan. 1 - Dec. 1:

2022: 4,271 statewide
2023: 3,488 statewide
2024: 4,996 statewide
2025: 5,259 statewide

Food availability is a major driver of bears slowing their activity during the winter months. If food remains available due to people not securing their trash, bird seed, pet food, etc., bears will remain active year-round.

For tips and locations of reports, please click here.



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