CPW responds to two separate bear attacks in Steamboat Springs and Aspen, encourages people to be vigilant and remove attractants

August 19, 2026

 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Following two recent bear attacks in Steamboat Springs and Aspen, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is strongly urging the public to remove attractants and remain vigilant outdoors as bear activity continues to increase.

This year, wildlife officers across the state have been responding to a record number of bear reports. As we begin to move into late summer and fall, black bears enter hyperphagia, a natural phase when they can spend up to 20 hours a day searching for food as they build the fat reserves needed to survive the winter.

That search is especially challenging this year. Low mountain snowpack, wildfires and drought have reduced the availability of natural foods such as berries, fruits, nuts, plants and grasses in parts of Colorado. Consequently, bears are traveling farther into residential neighborhoods in search of easy calorie sources such as unsecured trash, birdseed, pet food, and barbecue grills.

Wildlife officials remind the community that preventing conflicts requires a collective effort. CPW recommends the following BearWise tips to keep bears wild:

• Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding wildlife or letting them find accessible food is illegal. It teaches them to approach homes and lose their natural fear of humans.

• Safely store trash, animal feed and other attractants. Lock up trash receptacles and food scraps to eliminate the powerful odors that attract wildlife to residential properties.

• Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed domestic pets indoors or thoroughly clean up bowls immediately after any outdoor feeding.

• Clean and store outdoor grills. Burn off grease and food particles after every use, and store grills inside a secure garage or shed.

• Secure windows and doors. Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including garage doors. Bears are excellent climbers, so this includes any top story exterior windows or doors.

• Know what to do if a bear does enter your home. If a bear is in your house, leave immediately if you can safely do so. Leave all exit doors open to give the bear a clear escape route, do not block its path, and never try to shoo or corner the animal out of your home. Call 911 immediately and remain outside until wildlife officers have confirmed the bear is out of the home.

• Know what to do if you encounter a black bear. If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach. Stop and quietly move away, while giving the bear a clear escape route. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell, "Hey, Bear!" until it leaves. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.

If you are experiencing bear issues, please contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife immediately. The sooner you call, the sooner we can work with you to identify what attractants might be bringing them and potentially then help to remove those attractants, preventing further issues before they escalate.

The safety of our community and the survival of these animals depend entirely on us​ working together to reduce human-bear conflicts. To learn more about living with bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/living-bears.

Two recent bear attacks: 

• Wildlife officers in Steamboat Springs were alerted Tuesday, Aug. 18, to a bear attack inside a home near Fish Creek Falls Road.

  The female victim contacted wildlife officials Tuesday morning to report that a bear entered her residence through a sliding glass door at approximately 1 a.m. Monday. When she attempted to chase the animal outside, the bear struck her face, causing cuts.

  She was able to drive herself to a local hospital, where she was treated for facial injuries before being released to recover at home. Her family has requested privacy.

  Investigators determined the bear forced its way inside by damaging the wooden frame of the sliding glass door and knocking it off its track. Officers collected hair samples from the broken door for DNA analysis and set a trap at the property while alerting neighbors to take preventative precautions.
   

• Wildlife officers in Aspen responded to a report of a bear attack in Rio Grande Park just after 3 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.

  The victim, an adult male experiencing homelessness, was sleeping in the park when a bear approached and began sniffing him. The bear bit the man on the head, waking him. The man managed to escape his sleeping bag and get away from the animal before calling for help.

  The victim was transported to a hospital by ambulance, where he was treated for head and facial injuries and later released.

  Wildlife officers searched the park following the attack and located a bear matching the detailed description gathered during the investigation. The animal, an adult female without cubs, was humanely euthanized in accordance with CPW policy.

  The carcass was sent to the CPW Wildlife Health Lab in Fort Collins, where a full necropsy and DNA analysis will be performed.

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