Four Bear Attacks in One Week Raise Concern in Colorado

During the later months of summer and into the fall, bears can be seen quite often in Colorado. These black bears are eating as much as 20,000 calories in August, September, and October in an attempt to bulk up for the winter months.

Credit: Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash

Colorado Bear Activity Is Rising in 2026

This is also the prime time for bear sightings in the state of Colorado. In 2026, there have already been over 6,000 reports of bear sightings and conflicts. That is nearly double the number from 2025, and we haven't even gotten into September yet.

READ MORE: Wild Bear Sighting In Town Once Again

Peak season for bears is just starting to emerge, and the likelihood of human and bear conflicts is highly probable. According to KDVR, there have been four bear attacks that have happened in the past week.

The latest bear attack happened in Jefferson County, resulting in a man being taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his legs on Friday, August 21. This marks the sixth bear attack that has happened in Colorado this year.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife told KDVR that this many bear attacks in rapid succession is quite an unusual occurrence. Why are more and more bear conflicts happening this year in Colorado? The short answer is drought.

Drought Is Pushing Hungry Bears Toward People

The lack of water in the mountains is driving the bears into more populated areas in search of food. Instincts can be a crazy thing to wrap your head around, especially if you are trying to think like a bear.

READ MORE: CSU Bear Safely Removed in Fort Collins

It appears that highly populated areas of Colorado need to be bear aware, especially this year with so many sightings and conflicts. Learn how you can keep yourself safe from Colorado black bears by visiting cpw.state.co.us.