Two wounded as Colorado bear attacks hit officials' unprecedented 2026 total

Drought pushes bears to seek 20,000 daily calories in residential areas

State wildlife officials in Colorado said two people were wounded in separate bear attacks this week, bringing the state’s 2026 tally of reported bear attacks on humans to 10, a number officials have described as unprecedented.

On Friday, a woman camping in south-west Colorado heard a growl and felt something strike the outside of her tent, according to a news release from the state’s wildlife agency. She was treated for a puncture wound on her arm consistent with a black bear bite, authorities said. Wildlife officers found claw marks on the tent and recovered several dark hairs.

“The bite in this incident was more likely an act of surprise than aggression,” said Monte Vista area wildlife manager Rick Basagoitia, adding that the area had “no history of conflict or damage.”

Two days later, a bear opened a cracked window, tore off the screen and entered the bedroom of a sleeping 17-year-old girl. The girl woke to the animal’s presence and hid under her blankets. The bear’s paw struck her stomach, leaving three scratch marks, according to authorities.

“The woman is very lucky she had multiple blankets covering her when the bear swiped her,” said district wildlife manager Luke Clancy.

The 10 reported attacks this year are the most Colorado has logged in a single year, according to the agency. State wildlife officials attribute the surge to a statewide drought that has cut the berries, fruits and insects that make up most of black bears’ diets. As the animals try to consume up to 20,000 calories a day in preparation for hibernation, they have turned to human residences for food.

Nationwide, bear-human conflicts have also risen. In August, a bear broke into a New Mexico man’s home and mauled him to death, in what authorities described as a rare fatal attack for that state.

State wildlife officials have urged residents to lock windows, doors, garages and vehicles and to secure trash.

The camper was treated for a puncture wound on her arm. The teenager sustained three scratch marks on her stomach, according to the wildlife agency’s account.