In a concerning series of events, two separate incidents involving black bear attacks occurred in Colorado over the weekend of September 11-13, 2023, leaving authorities on high alert. The incidents involved a 17-year-old girl and an adult woman, both of whom encountered bears while they were asleep.
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The first incident took place early on the morning of September 11, in the Rio Grande National Forest. A woman camping in a tent at the Park Creek Campground was awakened by a black bear that bit her on the arm around 5:30 a.m. After the attack, she immediately contacted the South Fork Police Department, who alerted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). By the time CPW was notified at 6:22 a.m., the bear had retreated, and the victim was receiving medical attention.
Emergency medical services confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a bear bite, consisting of puncture wounds that required further treatment at the Rio Grande Hospital. District Wildlife Manager Jeremy Gallegos conducted an examination of her injuries, taking a swab for further analysis. Notably, the woman did not directly see the bear, although she described hearing it growling just before the bite occurred.
Upon investigation of the campsite, wildlife officials uncovered signs of the bear’s presence. Marks and holes on the tent indicated a struggle, while mud smears, animal hair, and paw prints were also found nearby. The camping area was closed for the weekend and ultimately for the remainder of the season as a safety precaution.
Rick Basagoitia, the Area Wildlife Manager, commented on the attack, emphasising that it appeared to be more an act of surprise than outright aggression. He expressed relief that there was no previous history of bear conflicts at this location and reassured the public that while the risk can never be completely eliminated, the incident presented a diminished threat due to the site’s closure.
The second attack occurred in Durango on September 13. A 17-year-old girl was startled awake around 2 a.m. when a bear entered her condo through an open window. Observing the bear as it moved about her room, she instinctively pulled the covers over her head in an attempt to shield herself. Unfortunately, as the black bear approached, it sniffed her and, in a startling moment, swiped at her stomach with its paw.
The girl recounted the experience, stating that after making a noise, the bear abruptly huffed and swatted at her. Startled, she sat up and screamed, prompting the bear to retreat through the window it had entered. However, it reappeared moments later, at which point she stood up and yelled to scare it off, successfully causing the bear to leave the premises.
Wildlife officials, upon investigating the incident, noted that the girl had sustained three scratch marks to her abdomen, which she had treated herself. Luke Clancy, the District Wildlife Manager, commented on the fortunate circumstances of the encounter, highlighting the protective layers provided by her blankets as a significant factor in preventing more serious injury.
As of this year, Colorado has experienced a record number of bear attacks, with ten reported cases thus far. This increase has raised concerns among wildlife managers. Adrian Archuleta, Area Wildlife Manager for Durango, stated plans to track and possibly capture the bear involved in the second attack, citing the potential risk it poses due to its repeated incursions into human habitats.
Archuleta urged residents to take extra precautions by ensuring doors and windows were secured to deter bears during this period, when bears are particularly active due to a greater need for food. Known as hyperphagia, this phenomenon allows bears to consume excessive calories in preparation for their hibernation, motivating them to seek food sources closer to human habitation.
The recent bear incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safety and awareness in areas where wildlife and human activity intersect. As authorities respond to these alarming occurrences, they urge the public to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings in bear-prone regions.