Colorado Has Euthanized Nearly 300 Bears as Conflicts Continue to Rise

September 4, 2026

A prolonged drought has led to a record number of human-bear conflicts in Colorado — and it’s only getting worse. The state’s wildlife officers have called 2026 an “anomaly” for its massive spike of starving bears venturing into towns and breaking into homes in search of food.

Historically low snowpack means fewer acorns and berries for the state’s 20,000 black bears to feast on before going into hibernation for the winter. So they’re increasingly finding human sources of food instead. Incidents and sightings have already doubled compared to 2025, and the increased aggressiveness has resulted in more attacks on humans, often with terrifying results. When bears start breaking into homes, that’s “a line we just can’t have bears crossing,” said John Livingston, an officer with Colorado Parks & Wildlife. GEARJUNKIE