Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently announced that 2025 ended with 15 percent more reported sightings and conflicts with bears compared to the previous six years. In total, 5,299 bear-related reports were received throughout the year, with trash still being the top common factor when it came to conflicts, involved in more than 57 percent of all reports.

Just over 46 percent of reports involved property damage to a shed, garage, home, or fence. Trash wasn’t the only attractant, either, with 16 percent of reports related to accessible bird seed and 18 percent related to livestock.

Of the 5,299 bear-related reports received last year, 52 resulted in relocations and 78 resulted in euthanization. While 2024 saw slightly fewer bear sightings and reports (5,022), there were more relocations (68) and euthanizations (98) that year.

As might be expected, summer tends to bring many more bear reports compared to any other season. With bears hibernating (or entering torpor) during winter, only 64 of the 5,299 total reports took place in January, February, March, and December combined. Meanwhile, July through September accounted for 3,306 reports – about 62 percent of all 2025 reports despite being just a three-month span.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife encouraged the public to visit their ‘Living with Bears’ webpage to learn more about how to limit conflicts with bears. Colorado Parks and Wildlife also provided the following tips:

Six At-Home BearWise Basics
1. Never Feed or Approach Bears – Intentionally feeding bears or allowing them to find anything that smells or tastes like food teaches bears to approach homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close, so don’t risk your safety and theirs.

2. Secure Food, Garbage and Recycling – Food and food odors attract bears, so don’t reward them with easily available food, liquids or garbage.

3.Remove Bird Feeders When Bears Are Active – Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so they’re very attractive to bears. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid creating conflicts with bears.

4. Never Leave Pet Food Outdoors – Feed pets indoors when possible. If you must feed pets outside, feed in single portions and remove food and bowls after feeding. Store pet food where bears can’t see or smell it.

5. Clean & Store Grills – Clean grills after each use and make sure that all grease, fat and food particles are removed. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.

6. Alert Neighbors to Bear Activity – See bears in the area or evidence of bear activity? Tell your neighbors and share information on how to prevent conflicts with bears. Bears have adapted to living near people; now it’s up to us to adapt to living near bears.

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