Despite its urban nature, black bears are increasingly observed in and around Denver, Colorado. Their presence highlights the expanding interface between human development and wildlife territories.
Bear Presence in Denver
Black bears are the only species found in Colorado, with an estimated population of 17,000 to 20,000. Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountain foothills and extensive open space parks creates corridors for bears to venture closer to human settlements. They are commonly seen in western suburbs bordering the mountains, such as Evergreen, Conifer, and Golden. Sightings also extend into more developed areas like Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, Aurora, and Lone Tree, often following riparian corridors or greenbelts.
Reasons for Urban Bear Encounters
Bears typically enter urban environments primarily in search of food. Natural food scarcity or seasonal changes prompt bears to explore alternative options. Human expansion into traditional bear habitats also increases overlap with populated areas.
Urban settings offer readily available attractants. Common temptations include unsecured trash, outdoor pet food, bird feeders, and fruit trees. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, making human-provided resources irresistible. Once a bear finds an easy food source, it remembers the location and often returns, becoming habituated to human presence.
Safe Practices During Bear Encounters
If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Stand still and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Make yourself appear as large as possible by spreading your arms or holding a coat overhead. Speak in a firm, calm voice and slowly back away, ensuring the bear has an escape route.
Never approach a bear, especially a sow with cubs, as mothers are protective. If a bear huffs, stomps its paws, or jaw-pops, it indicates stress and a desire for more space. In the rare event of a black bear attack, fight back with any available means, such as rocks, trekking poles, or bare hands; do not play dead. Report aggressive or problematic bear behavior to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) immediately.
Living Responsibly with Bears
Coexisting with bears in and around Denver requires proactive measures. Securing trash is one of the most effective steps, as garbage is a primary attractant. Residents should use bear-resistant containers or store trash indoors until pickup morning. Removing other food sources, such as pet food, bird feeders, and ripe fruit, also helps deter bears.
Clean barbecue grills after each use to remove lingering food odors. Keep ground-level windows and doors locked, especially when away or at night, to prevent bears from entering. Educating neighbors and adhering to local ordinances contributes to community-wide bear awareness. Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes that preventing bears from becoming accustomed to human food sources is important for their and human safety.