Bear sightings spike across the West as drought sends animals on a feeding frenzy
Colorado Parks & Wildlife reported a whopping 8,672 reports of bear-related sightings and incidents so far in the year.
Watch: Bear caught on video breaking into Colorado yard in search of late-night snack
Video from Sept. 1, in Arvada, Colorado, shows a bear ripping through a gate to get to three trash cans in search of food in the middle of the night.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Hungry bears are invading neighborhoods out West as drought conditions limit food sources
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a whopping 8,672 reports of bear-related sightings and incidents so far in the year.
- Officials warn residents to secure your trash before bears come hunting
Bear encounters are on the rise across the West, as severe drought conditions limit food sources, sending bears into residential areas in search of their next meal.
As we enter the fall months and temperatures begin to drop, bears enter something called hyperphagia, a phase when they eat and drink nonstop before entering hibernation in the winter months.
Officials in Colorado and other western states are warning residents that drought conditions have made it harder for bears to find food in the wild, so they approach areas with people in hopes of snagging a meal.
A mother bear and two cubs in the backyard of a home in Boulder, Colorado.
(Clover House / FOX Weather)
Unfortunately, as these severe and extreme drought conditions continue across large portions of the Western U.S., including in Colorado, New Mexico, Montana and Wyoming, people are reporting more and more bear encounters in residential areas as bears hunt for food in their hyperphagia phase.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the drought has been brought on by a lackluster winter and early spring.
MYSTERIOUS ANIMAL GOES ON THE ATTACK, INJURING 3 PEOPLE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE CITY
A historic snow-drought caused the lowest-on-record snowpack for states like Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
(FOX Weather)
Because of this, snow melted much earlier than usual, leading to less moisture in the soil and impacting the supply of food for animals like bears.
On Sept. 3, a man napping in a backyard patio chair in Steamboat Springs awoke to find a bear approaching him. He stayed calm and motionless as the bear puffed itself up and popped its jaw, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said.
Before a neighbor could intervene and spray bear spray, the bear reached out and scratched the man's knee with its claws.
Watch: Bears break into bear-proof trash can in Aspen, Colorado
Two bears in Aspen were caught on video breaking into a trash can that is supposed to be bear proof in late August.
The neighbor was able to spray bear spray to prevent further engagement.
MISSING HIKER FOUND DEAD IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AFTER SUSPECTED BEAR ATTACK
CPW said the man didn't seek medical attention and his injuries were minor.
It's just the tip of the iceberg in a string of bear encounters and attacks across the West.
A bear climbing a fence in Boulder, Colorado.
(Clover House / FOX Weather)
In August 2026, CPW reported a whopping 8,672 reports of bear-related sightings and incidents so far in the year. This number more than double the number of encounters reported by August 2025.
On Aug. 31, a woman walking her dog in Montana was attacked by a mother grizzly bear with at least one cub, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said. The incident was believed to be a surprise defense encounter.
A large grizzly bear looks in the distance at Yellowstone National Park.
(NPS/Jim Peaco / FOX Weather)
A similar situation occurred in May, when two men hiking in Yellowstone National Park were hurt in a bear attack by a mother grizzly and two or three cubs.
In late August, a man died after injuries from a bear in Crystal, New Mexico. The bear was located and killed, Navajo Police Department said.
2 HIKERS ATTACKED BY MAMA GRIZZLY BEAR AND CUBS IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Videos of bears breaking into trash cans, cars and homes have surfaced in states like Colorado and Tennessee.
Officials are warning residents to stay "bear aware" or "BearWise" and follow these steps to prevent bear-human contact:
- Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding wildlife 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 windows and doors locked, especially when leaving the property. As well as, keeping car windows rolled up and doors locked, even if you are just stepping out for a few short minutes.
- Know what to do if you encounter a black bear. If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach. Stand still, and quietly move away. 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.
For more bear safety tips, visit CPW's website and Montana FWP's Bear Aware page.