Colorado Parks and Wildlife responds to bear attack in Steamboat Springs

A bear scratched an adult on the knee Thursday in a residential backyard in Steamboat Springs, prompting a response from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers.

The victim was napping in a patio chair when the bear approached. The individual remained motionless as the bear huffed and popped its jaw; before a neighbor could intervene with bear spray, the animal reached out and scraped the victim's knee. The neighbor then deployed bear spray to prevent further contact. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not seek professional medical treatment.

Outdoors - Colorado Parks Wildlife Mountains Baca National Wildlife Refuge - USFWS — Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Bears are currently extremely active across Colorado as they enter hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding prior to hibernation. Severe drought conditions have limited natural food sources, driving bears to take greater risks and move closer to populated areas in search of calories.

CPW recommends the following steps to prevent bear conflicts:

Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding wildlife is illegal and teaches bears to lose their natural fear of humans.
Safely store trash, animal feed, and other attractants. Lock up trash receptacles and food scraps to eliminate odors that attract wildlife.
Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed pets indoors or clean up bowls immediately after any outdoor feeding.
Clean and store outdoor grills. Burn off grease and food particles after every use and store grills inside a secure garage or shed.
Secure windows and doors. Keep windows and doors locked when leaving the property. Keep car windows rolled up and doors locked even when stepping out briefly.

Know what to do if you encounter a black bear. If you see a bear before it notices you, stand still and quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly — never run, as running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms, and yell "Hey Bear" until it leaves. If a black bear makes contact, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.

For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/living-bears.