08/15/2026
Great black bear information
BEARS!!
Here is a bulletin from CPW
It's lengthy, but worth reading to learn about minimizing human-bear conflicts, and the new law (and fines) associated with feeding bears.
Drought drives record bear activity as CPW urges Coloradans to secure food sources, new bill enhances ability to ticket for negligently luring bears.
New law strengthens penalties for knowingly luring bears
A new Colorado law that strengthens enforcement against people who knowingly leave out food or edible waste that can lure bears took effect Aug. 12.
House Bill 26-1342 amended Colorado law by changing the culpable mental state for luring bears from “intentionally” to “knowingly.” The change removes the requirement that law enforcement prove a person intended to lure a bear and instead allows enforcement when a person knowingly places food or edible waste in the open under circumstances where there is a reasonable probability it will attract a bear.
The law also removes the requirement that first-time offenders receive a warning. CPW officers and other peace officers now have discretion to issue either a warning or a violation when a person's knowing actions result in circumstances likely to lure a bear.
For a third or subsequent offense, the fine increases from $2,000 to $5,000. The law does not apply to acts related to agriculture. Food or edible waste also does not include live animals or food grown in the open before harvest.
CPW supported HB 26-1342, which was developed following stakeholder input through the agency's statewide bear working group.
Live BearWise®. Keep bears wild.
As a member of BearWise, CPW encourages everyone to share BearWise information with their neighbors and communities to help prevent conflicts with bears. CPW asks all residents and visitors to help save Colorado’s bears by being actively bear prepared throughout the year. Human-bear conflicts are most often traced back to human behavior. Living BearWise is the most effective way to prevent human-caused conflicts with bears.
Six At-Home BearWise Basics
Never Feed or Approach Bears - Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs!
Secure Food, Garbage and Recycling - Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.
Remove Bird Feeders When Bears Are Active - Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.
Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors - Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.
Clean & Store Grills - Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.
Alert Neighbors to Bear Activity - See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to prevent conflicts with bears. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.
Six Outdoor BearWise Basics
Stay Alert & Stay Together - Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
Leave No Trash or Food Scraps - Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
Keep Dogs Leashed - Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
Camp Safely - Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
Know What To Do If You See a Black Bear - If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, talk to the bear let it know you are a human and you are there, quietly move away. When the bear sees you,. 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. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It - Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.
This year is on pace to be a record year for bear reports in Colorado since 2019. CPW rolled out a statewide digital reporting system in 2019 to report bear-related incidents in the state.
