There are no wild brown bears, specifically grizzly bears, in Colorado today. While the state’s wilderness might suggest their presence, the only wild bear species found throughout Colorado is the American black bear. This often causes confusion, as many black bears exhibit various shades of brown fur, leading people to mistakenly identify them as brown bears.
Colorado’s Native Bear Species
The American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the sole bear species inhabiting Colorado’s diverse landscapes. Despite their common name, these bears display a wide spectrum of fur colors, including black, brown, cinnamon, and even blonde or honey-colored coats. This color variation is particularly common in western populations, where over half of black bears may be shades of brown. Black bears possess distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them from grizzly bears, such as a straight facial profile from their nose to their forehead and longer, less rounded ears. They also lack the prominent shoulder hump seen in grizzly bears, and their claws are shorter and more curved, which assists them in climbing trees.
These omnivorous mammals primarily forage for plants, including grasses, berries, fruits, nuts, and other vegetation. They also consume insects and scavenged carcasses. Black bears are active from mid-March through early November, spending their time in forested areas at mid to lower altitudes. Their home ranges vary significantly depending on food availability.
The Historical Absence of Grizzlies
Grizzly bears, a subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), once roamed extensively across Colorado. However, due to widespread hunting pressure, habitat loss from human settlement, and the expansion of agriculture, these bears were gradually extirpated from the state. Wildlife officials initially declared grizzly bears extirpated from Colorado in 1951.
An incident in September 1979 confirmed the presence of at least one remaining grizzly bear. An elk hunter, Ed Wiseman, was attacked by a grizzly bear in the San Juan Mountains and fatally wounded it in self-defense. This encounter marked the last confirmed sighting of a wild grizzly bear in Colorado. The remains of this bear are preserved at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Coexisting with Colorado’s Bears
Given the prevalence of American black bears, including those with brown coats, residents and visitors in Colorado need to understand how to coexist safely with these animals. Most conflicts between bears and humans arise when bears are attracted to human food sources or garbage. It is important to secure all food, trash, and other attractants in bear-resistant containers or inside locked vehicles. Pet food, bird feeders, and barbeque grills can also draw bears closer to homes.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms, and make noise by yelling or clapping. Slowly back away, ensuring the bear has an escape route.
Carrying bear spray can provide additional safety. If a bear attacks, fighting back vigorously is recommended. Reporting bear sightings, especially those involving aggressive behavior, helps wildlife officials manage human-bear interactions effectively.