Bears waking earlier than usual in Colorado

Axios

14-04-2025

Colorado's bears are up and at 'em earlier than usual this season.
What they're saying: Although mid-April is typical for bears to begin to stir, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has already "started taking reports and sightings of bear activity across the state," agency spokesperson Kara Van Hoose tells Axios Denver.
When we see lower snowpack or lower moisture winters, it's possible bears in Colorado can emerge … earlier" from torpor, a light form of hibernation, she said.
Driving the news: The season of bear shenanigans is underway, with human run-ins rising.
On April 10, a bear in Evergreen ripped apart an unlocked car, likely looking for snacks.
On April 6, a skier at Keystone Resort narrowly dodged a black bear sprinting across a run.
On April 5, two large bears in Castle Pines were spotted climbing a homeowner's deck for a bite from some bird feeders.
What they're saying: Wildlife officials are urging Coloradans to lock up their trash and take down their bird feeders through November. If a bear finds an easy meal in your driveway, it's more likely to stick around — and that's when problems start.