Black bears are present in Colorado, and they are the only bear species found in the state. The grizzly bear population was hunted to extinction by 1951, leaving only the American black bear. Coexistence with this large mammal is a reality for many residents and visitors. Understanding the bear’s behavior and life cycle is the first step toward minimizing encounters and keeping both humans and bears safe.
Black Bear Presence and Distribution in Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) estimates the black bear population ranges between 17,000 and 20,000 animals. Despite their name, bears frequently exhibit various coat colors, including cinnamon, brown, and blonde. They are the largest carnivore in Colorado; adult males average about 275 pounds and females around 175 pounds, though they can weigh up to 450 pounds depending on the season.
Black bears inhabit virtually every forested area, including mountainous regions and foothills. Their range extends to areas with Gambel’s oak, aspen groves, chokecherry, and serviceberry bushes, which provide natural food sources. As human populations expand, conflicts have increased in urban and suburban areas adjacent to their habitat.
Understanding Seasonal Bear Activity Cycles
A black bear’s year is governed by preparing for and recovering from winter denning, which typically occurs from October or December until April or May. During this period, bears enter a state of depressed metabolism, often establishing dens under logs, in hollow trees, or in caves. They emerge in the spring underweight and initially intersperse periods of feeding with rest.
The most intense period of activity begins in late summer and continues through the fall with hyperphagia. During hyperphagia, bears overeat to build the fat reserves needed for hibernation, striving to consume over 20,000 calories daily. This immense caloric need drives them to forage for up to 20 hours a day, and the resulting hunger can overcome their natural fear of humans. While their natural diet consists of berries, fruits, nuts, plants, and grasses, the search for high-calorie food leads them to human-provided attractants.
Securing Your Property and Staying Safe Outdoors
The majority of conflicts between people and bears are directly linked to easily accessible human food, trash, or other attractants. To minimize residential conflicts, residents should keep all garbage in a secured location and only place trash cans outside on the morning of collection. Other attractants, like high-calorie bird feeders, should be removed from April 15th to November 15th when bears are active. Pet food should be fed indoors, and outdoor grills must be thoroughly cleaned of grease and stored securely after use.
Outdoor Safety and Prevention
For those recreating outdoors, awareness is the best defense against an encounter. Hikers should avoid using headphones and make noise periodically to alert bears to their presence. All food, toiletries, and scented items should be secured in bear-resistant containers or locked inside a vehicle when camping.
Encounter Protocol
If a bear is encountered, stand still, stay calm, and speak to the animal in a firm voice to help it identify you. Never run or climb a tree, as this can trigger a chase response. If the bear approaches, wave your arms to appear larger and slowly back away, ensuring the animal has an escape route. If a bear makes contact or attacks, you should fight back with any available means, such as trekking poles or bare hands.