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Joey Livingston reports a 97% increase in Colorado bear incidents as severe drought drives wildlife into populated areas

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials reported a record-high number of bear-related incidents so far this year, with reports jumping 97% compared to 2025. Joey Livingston, a spokesperson for the agency, noted that the surge in activity is primarily driven by a severe drought across the Western United States. The lack of natural food sources, such as berries and fruit, has forced bears to venture into human-populated areas to forage for food, leading to a significant increase in property damage and human encounters. Recent incidents include a bear biting a homeless man in Aspen's Rio Grande Park and a bear entering a home in Steamboat Springs to strike a woman in the face. Officials have also reported multiple attacks in Eagle-Vail and Snowmass. To mitigate these conflicts, the administration announced that Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed legislation allowing authorities to fine residents up to $5,000 for knowingly leaving out food or garbage that attracts bears. Wildlife experts urge residents to bear-proof their homes and secure trash containers to safely share their communities with the wild animals.

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