While much of the state is experiencing higher-than-average human-bear incident numbers, the Archuleta County area is experiencing its normal uptick, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Given the extraordinary drought and fire year, CPW staff have been responding to a drastic increase in bear reports from the public, including in La Plata County, the agency states in a recent press release.
But, John Livingston, Southwest Region public information officer for CPW, explains in an email to The SUN that Archuleta County is seeing more of the usual seasonal uptick compared to La Plata County and elsewhere in the state.
He adds, “Bears that stayed up higher there this year are finding better food supply.”
As of Aug. 31, CPW reports, there were 8,672 reports of bear-related sightings and incidents across the state, compared to 3,680 reports through August 2025.
Livingston indicates Archuleta County accounted for 155 of those reported sightings and incidents.
The state notes that, as of the end of August, 98 bears had been relocated, compared to 33 bears relocated through August 2025.
Livingston reports four were relocated in Archuleta County in the same time period.
Across the state, CPW reports, 294 bears had been euthanized as of Aug. 31 this year, compared to 83 bears euthanized through August 2025.
Livingston reported five euthanized in Archuleta County.
In its press release, CPW explains, “While wildlife officers work to manage and mitigate human-bear interactions statewide, relocation and euthanization options are exercised for bears that have been hit by motor vehicles, are found suffering from poor health and body condition, have attacked humans, or have entered homes or other structures.”
While the reported numbers through August are an increase from annual reports over the last five years, agency response has remained proportional to the number of reported incidents. The number of reported incidents in 2026 to date is 3.6 times the current five-year average (2020-2025) level. Tracking this figure, relocations have increased by 3.5 times and euthanizations by 2.7 times compared to their respective five-year averages.
CPW notes the above totals are preliminary, and the agency will release finalized numbers in its 2027 final report.
But, while Archuleta County is seeing the usually uptick, residents are still encouraged to help wild bears remain wild.
CPW asks that residents and visitors remain BearWise and respect how to live with bears in Colorado as they continue to seek easy calories heading into the fall and winter months.
Keep bears wild
CPW asks all residents and visitors to help save Colorado’s bears by being actively bear prepared throughout the year. Human-bear conflicts are most often traced back to human behavior. Living BearWise is the most effective way to prevent human-caused conflicts with bears.
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 and 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.
Six outdoor BearWise basics
1. Stay alert and stay together: Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
2. Leave no trash or food scraps: Double bag your food when hiking, and pack out all food and trash. Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers or even “harmless” items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
3. Keep dogs leashed: Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don’t force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home.
4. Camp safely: Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers or out of sight in locked vehicle or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
5. Know what to do if you see a black bear: If you see a bear before it notices you, don’t approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell, “Hey, bear,” until it leaves. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do not play dead; fight back aggressively.
6. Carry bear spray and know how to use it: Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn’t work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.
For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/living-bears or bearwise.org.
If you have questions or need to report bear problems, call your local CPW office. The Durango office can be reached at (970) 247-0855.
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