Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigating bear attack in Estes Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a bear attack after an adult bear entered an Estes Park home Thursday morning. Around 4:30 a.m., a bear broke into a house on the western side of town through an unlocked, closed window on the first floor. The homeowner, a woman in her 80s, reported to CPW officers she awoke to the bear in the kitchen on the second floor. The bear charged the woman, scratched her across the stomach and knocked her to the ground, according to the victim. She told officers the bear then left the house through the first floor window.

The victim called 911 and Larimer County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. No bear was found. She sought medical treatment for her abdominal injuries.

CPW has requested the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in locating the bear involved.

Heavy bear activity has been reported in the area, with multiple bears breaking into occupied homes and vehicles over the past few days. CPW officers have set traps to remove bears posing an immediate public safety risk.

“As we continue to navigate this extraordinary bear year, please continue to be vigilant in removing food and trash that may attract bears to your property,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch. “Wildlife officers are working tirelessly to respond to an unprecedented number of bear reports, and we are counting on the community to help mitigate conflict."

Colorado is experiencing an unprecedented bear conflict year, largely due to drought conditions depleting natural food sources for bears. As they begin to enter hyperphagia, bear activity is expected to increase while they search for 20,000 calories per day before denning. Bears can take greater risks in seeking out food during this time, driving them into neighborhoods and populated areas.



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