Grizzly bears are no longer found in the wild in Colorado. Though these large carnivores once roamed the state, their populations have been extirpated. The last confirmed sighting occurred in 1979, marking the effective end of their presence.
Historical Presence and Disappearance of Grizzlies
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), a subspecies of brown bear, once had a widespread historical range across Colorado, inhabiting much of the western three-fifths of the state, including the San Juan Mountains and parts of the Sangre de Cristo range. They were a common part of Colorado’s ecosystem until the turn of the 19th to 20th century. By the late 19th century, their populations had significantly declined due to various pressures.
Their disappearance was primarily due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and unregulated hunting. As human settlements expanded and agricultural activities increased, grizzly bear habitats were fragmented and reduced. Grizzlies were often viewed as a threat to livestock and human safety, leading to extensive hunting.
Official declarations in the mid-20th century stated that grizzlies had been extirpated from Colorado by 1952. However, this was disproven by the last confirmed sighting in 1979. An archery hunter, Ed Wiseman, encountered a grizzly bear in the San Juan Mountains near Pagosa Springs, resulting in the bear’s death. This event confirmed the final wild grizzly in Colorado, and its remains are now on display at the Museum of Nature & Science in Denver.
The Current Bear Population in Colorado
The only bear species currently inhabiting Colorado’s wild landscapes is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). These bears exhibit a wide range of fur colors, from jet black to various shades of brown, cinnamon, or even blonde, often leading to misidentification with grizzlies. Up to 75 percent of black bears in Colorado are not black, contributing to this confusion.
Black bears weigh between 125 and 500 pounds, with males larger than females. They are omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes berries, nuts, insects, and small mammals. Black bears are adaptable, found in diverse habitats across Colorado, from dense forests to open woodlands and even areas closer to human habitation.
Distinguishing black bears from grizzly bears involves observing several physical characteristics. Black bears lack the prominent shoulder hump seen in grizzlies, and their facial profile is straighter, without the “dished-in” appearance. Their claws are shorter and more curved, adapted for climbing trees, whereas grizzly claws are longer and straighter, suited for digging.