Drought Is Driving an 'Unprecedented' Surge in Bear Attacks Out West

Officials in the western U.S. are counting the days until the bear population goes into hibernation. The ongoing drought has driven bear activity to record levels this year.  

Record-High Bear Activity Fueled by Drought

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently confirmed 10 bear attacks on people this year, good enough for the highest number on record.  Two black bear attacks were reported just days apart this month. A bear bit a woman on the arm through her tent at the Rio Grande National Forest near South Fork on September 11.

The second attack this month happened in the mountain resort town of Durango on September 13. A teen girl said that a black bear entered her bedroom through an open window at about 2 am. The 17-year-old said she hid under the blankets as the bear sniffed around and scratched her. The animal eventually left the room after the girl stood up and began to yell. CPW was able to set a trap and relocate the bear to a more remote location.

A similar situation is unfolding in other parts of the West. Wildlife personnel in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, were forced to euthanize a black bear when it continued to come dangerously close to humans. 

The persistent drought conditions and a lack of natural food for the bears are blamed for the surge of activity. Frequent wildfires this summer have reduced the amount of food available for the bears, forcing them to travel greater distances to find nourishment. As a result, the bears are ending up at campgrounds and neighborhoods with more frequency.

The shortage of food becomes a greater issue as bears enter the fall hyperphagia season. This is the time of the year when bears build their fat reserves before going into hibernation, consuming as many as 20,000 calories per day.

Grand Teton National Park rangers had to lethally remove a bear after a series of close encounters. The decision to euthanize the bear near Delta Lake in Wyoming was made after several reports of the animal approaching visitors. Officials observed the bear and found that it was difficult to drive away because it had become conditioned to eating human food.

Park officials noted, “We need to be clear—this bear was lethally removed because of poor decisions made by park visitors." Bears tend to become more dependent on human food after park visitors carelessly leave their garbage out.

Just last week, a grizzly bear attacked a hunter on state land southwest of Augusta, Montana. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said that the hunter suffered non-life-threatening injuries that required hospital treatment.

This attack came after two young adult grizzly bears were euthanized near Lincoln in Montana's upper Blackfoot Valley. Officials noted that the bears had been regularly entering unsecured chicken coops and exhibiting bold behavior that was a danger to residents.

How to Protect Yourself from Bear Encounters

The best thing that you can do to avoid bear encounters is to secure food and trash, especially when camping. Backyard bird feeders and grills also attract bears. Be sure to keep doors and windows closed if you live in an area that has been experiencing heightened bear activity.

Wildlife experts in Montana also advise residents to secure their chicken coops and livestock feed. It is important to report bear sightings near homes as soon as possible.

Do not run if approached by a bear. Instead, you should back away slowly, wave your arms, and speak loudly. Carry bear spray in an area where it is instantly accessible.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.