Bear Encounters Drop After Mid October, One Bear Still Seen in Dolores
Bear related calls across the region fell sharply after mid October as most bears moved into dens, but wildlife officials recorded at least one bear in Dolores during the week of November 17 through 21. The season highlighted how drought and poor natural food production compounded the autumn hyperphagia period, driving more bear human interactions this year and underscoring local needs for stronger prevention and support for vulnerable households and institutions.
County and state wildlife officials reported a significant reduction in bear related calls after mid October as most animals entered their winter dens, but they cautioned that encounters will continue until the landscape fully winterizes. Law enforcement in Montezuma County said the volume of calls dropped considerably from the height of the fall season, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife recorded elevated incident totals across its five county coverage area of Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta compared with 2023. Officials also noted a bear was still being reported in Dolores during the week of November 17 through 21.
The seasonal surge earlier this fall reflected several converging factors. A regional drought reduced natural food sources, and the fall hyperphagia period when bears aggressively forage for calories to prepare for winter intensified interactions with homes and businesses. The majority of incidents involved food related property damage, including bears accessing trash containers, sheds, bird feeders and fruit trees. The pattern strained local response resources and raised safety concerns for neighborhoods, schools and small businesses.
Local public safety leaders and wildlife managers emphasized prevention as the most effective tool to limit encounters. Dolores town code requires bear locks on residential and commercial containers, a regulation officials urged residents and businesses to follow closely as part of routine waste management. Colorado Parks and Wildlife also recommended that people give bears space, use hazing techniques to encourage animals to move away, and call CPW or 911 for dangerous situations. Law enforcement agencies coordinated responses when bears posed immediate threats to people or property.
Beyond immediate safety, the season exposed broader public health and equity issues. Households with limited financial means often lack access to certified bear proof containers or secure storage for fruit and animal feed, increasing their exposure and risk. Schools and day care programs faced the logistical challenge of securing outdoor spaces and educating children about safety without diverting critical staff resources. Rural residents who depend on wood sheds, outbuildings or older mobile homes for storage and shelter may be more vulnerable to property damage and to the economic disruption that follows.
Community leaders said addressing those gaps requires coordinated investment. Priorities include subsidized or bulk purchasing programs for bear proof containers, expanded public education targeted to renters and low income families, and consistent enforcement of local ordinances paired with outreach rather than punishment. Municipal waste management planning and interagency cooperation between counties, the sheriff s offices and CPW were framed as key to reducing future conflicts.
As winter deepens and most bears settle into dens, officials urged Dolores County residents to maintain precautions, secure attractants and report any dangerous wildlife activity promptly. Doing so will reduce risks to people and animals, limit property loss and help the region adapt policy and infrastructure for recurring wildlife pressure under shifting environmental conditions.
