Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a reported bear attack on Castlewood Drive in Clear Creek County early Thursday morning. A homeowner was hurt and sought medical treatment.

Around 1:00 a.m., the homeowner heard noises on his deck, he told wildlife officers. He found a bear outside near the trash cans. He yelled to try to scare it away, but the bear ran toward him.

The man said he pushed the bear away. The bear backed off, then charged him again. He said he kicked the bear in self-defense. The bear then ran from the property, he reported.

Officers went to the area but could not find the bear. They will keep searching for bear activity. They are asking neighbors to remove trash and other things that draw bears.

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This is the twelfth bear attack reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 2026.

The agency is a member of BearWise. It asks everyone to share BearWise information with neighbors and communities to help prevent conflicts with bears. It also asks residents and visitors to be bear prepared all year. Most conflicts between people and bears trace back to human behavior. Living BearWise is the best way to prevent them.

Live BearWise. Keep bears wild.

The agency offers six at-home BearWise basics:

Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears, or letting them find anything that smells or tastes like food, teaches them to come to homes and people looking for more. Bears will defend themselves if a person gets too close.

Secure food, garbage and recycling. Food and food smells attract bears. Do not reward them with easy food, liquids or garbage.

Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Birdseed and grains have lots of calories, so bears find them very attractive. Removing feeders is the best way to avoid conflicts.

Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors when possible. If pets must eat outside, feed single portions and remove food and bowls afterward. Store pet food where bears cannot see or smell it.

Clean and store grills. Clean grills after each use and remove all grease, fat and food bits. Store clean grills and smokers in a secure area that keeps bears out.

Alert neighbors to bear activity. If you see bears or signs of them, tell your neighbors and share how to prevent conflicts. Bears have adapted to living near people. Now it is up to people to adapt to living near bears.