Colorado’s expansive landscapes are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bears. Understanding where these animals reside and how they interact with their surroundings is important for both residents and visitors. Their presence is a natural part of the state’s ecosystems. This awareness helps foster a harmonious relationship between humans and the wild inhabitants of Colorado.
Colorado’s Bear Population
The only native bear species inhabiting Colorado is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). While many imagine only black-furred animals, these bears display a range of colors, including various shades of brown, cinnamon, blonde, and even black. This color variation often leads to misidentification, as brown-colored black bears can be mistaken for grizzly bears.
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) once roamed Colorado but were extirpated from the state. The last confirmed grizzly bear in Colorado was killed in 1979. Today, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) estimates the statewide population of American black bears to be between 17,000 and 20,000 animals.
Where Black Bears Live
Black bears are highly adaptable and inhabit a wide array of environments across Colorado. Their typical range includes mountainous regions, foothills, and riparian areas, which are zones along rivers or streams. They can even extend into some semi-arid plains, particularly where food sources and protective cover are available.
These bears commonly frequent areas rich in Gambel’s oak, aspen groves, and bushes bearing chokecherries and serviceberries, as these provide food. While they might spend summers at higher elevations, they often move to lower areas in the spring to feed on emerging vegetation. In late summer and fall, they may seek out oak brush habitats for berries and acorns as they prepare for winter. Black bears enter their dens for hibernation from mid-September through late November and emerge between March and May.
Coexisting with Bears
Living in bear country requires proactive measures to reduce potential conflicts. Secure attractants, which are items that draw bears. This includes properly securing trash in bear-resistant containers, storing pet food indoors, and removing bird feeders from April through November when bears are most active. Other attractants like compost piles, outdoor BBQ grills, and fallen fruit from trees should also be managed to prevent easy access.
When recreating outdoors, especially in bear habitats, make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it provides safety. Keeping dogs leashed is important, as off-leash pets can provoke encounters.
If an encounter occurs, remaining calm is important. Never run from a bear, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, back away slowly while facing the animal, making yourself appear larger by raising your arms and speaking in a calm voice. Yelling, clapping, or using an air horn can help deter a bear, but always ensure the bear has a clear escape route.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages bear populations and responds to conflicts. Most bears are naturally timid and prefer to avoid humans; conflicts arise when bears associate people or their homes with readily available food.