Extreme drought leads to significant spike in bear activity in some northwest Colorado communities

City officials warn of active bear activity in Penticton neighbourhood

Residents of Penticton’s Wiltse area are asked to keep their garbage carts off the curb overnight due to active bear activity. “City staff will be conducting cart inspections outside of the designated collection times as part of ongoing education and outreach efforts to help reduce wildlife attractants and keep the community safe,” the city said on Aug. 5. The city’s reminder applies to all Penticton residents, it added. People are asked to put …

Bear relocated after wandering through Louisville neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (KRDO) -- An adult male bear was safely relocated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers Tuesday afternoon after spending several days in the Louisville area. CPW says the bear was not leaving the neighborhood on its own, so officers tranquilized and relocated it with assistance from Louisville police officers. Courtesy: CPW Courtesy: The post WATCH: Bear relocated after wandering through Louisville neighborhood appeared…

Bear hanging around north Louisville neighborhood captured and released into wild

A bear ran off into a better habitat Tuesday afternoon after Colorado Parks & Wildlife officials removed it from north Louisville and took it away from neighborhoods.

CPW relocates black bear from Louisville after several days in neighborhood

Colorado wildlife officers relocated an adult male black bear from Louisville on Tuesday after the animal spent several days in the area and did not leave on its own.

Extreme drought leads to significant spike in bear activity in some northwest Colorado communities

Across Colorado, dire drought conditions are giving rise to reports of bear activity and conflict. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a 68% increase in bear reports over last year for the first seven months of 2026. “Bears are tough this year,” said Brad Banulis, the agency’s senior terrestrial biologist, at a July 28 northwest region sportspersons’ meeting in Grand Junction. While conflicts slowly increased in early summer, Banulis said thing…

Drought, dwindling food sources making Utah's bears bolder, wildlife officials warn

UTAH — If it seems like Utah’s bears are getting a little too comfortable around campsites and neighborhoods this summer, wildlife officials say there’s a reason. As ongoing drought conditions reduce the availability of natural food sources, bears are becoming increasingly bold, curious and hungry — leading to more encounters with people and a greater risk of conflicts. Wildlife officials say unsecured food, garbage, and other attractants are ma…