Colorado is home to a population of bears that are an integral part of the state’s ecosystem. Understanding their presence and habits is beneficial for residents and visitors, fostering a more informed coexistence.
Colorado’s Bear Species
The only bear species found in Colorado is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Despite their name, black bears vary in color, including cinnamon, brown, blonde, or honey, with black being less common in some areas. Adult males typically weigh around 275 pounds, while females average about 175 pounds, though weights can fluctuate from 100 to 450 pounds depending on season and food availability. They stand about three feet tall on all fours and can reach five to six feet when standing upright.
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) no longer exist in the wild in Colorado. Therefore, any bear encountered in Colorado’s wilderness is a black bear, regardless of its coat color. Black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact.
Where Bears are Found in Colorado
Black bears inhabit virtually every forested area across Colorado. Their range extends throughout the state’s mountains, foothills, and riparian zones, including cottonwood groves along rivers even in otherwise treeless plains. While most black bears reside in the western half of the state, their presence can extend into eastern plains river corridors. They are often found in areas with Gambel’s oak, aspen, chokecherry, and serviceberry bushes.
These bears can occasionally venture into urban and suburban areas, especially when natural food sources are scarce. They are curious and opportunistic, following their sensitive noses to potential food sources. This can lead them into residential zones that border their natural habitat.
Understanding Bear Behavior and Activity
Most Colorado bears are active from mid-March through early November, emerging from their winter dens as spring approaches. Males typically emerge first, followed by females without cubs, and then mothers with new cubs. During early spring, bears primarily consume vegetation to help their digestive systems adjust after months of fasting. As summer progresses, their diet shifts to natural foods like grasses, berries, fruits, nuts, and plants.
They also consume insects, scavenged carcasses, small mammals, and ungulates. In late summer and fall, bears enter a period called hyperphagia, intensely foraging to build fat reserves for winter hibernation. Bears possess a highly developed sense of smell, capable of detecting food from miles away, and they have excellent memories, often returning to places where food was previously found.
Coexisting Safely with Colorado’s Bears
Living responsibly in bear country involves securing potential attractants to minimize human-bear conflicts. Trash should be stored in bear-resistant containers or secured enclosures and only placed out on the morning of pickup. Pet food, bird feeders, and compost should also be kept inaccessible to bears when they are most active. Grills should be cleaned thoroughly after each use, and fruit from trees should be harvested promptly.
When recreating outdoors, campers and hikers should store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or locked vehicles. Making noise while hiking and hiking in groups can help avoid surprising a bear. If an encounter occurs, remain calm, speak normally, and slowly back away while appearing larger. Avoid running, as it might trigger a chase response. In the rare event of a black bear attack, fighting back with any available means is recommended, and any aggressive encounters should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.