On Sunday morning, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers responded to a report of a black bear perched in a tree in Denver’s downtown area near Louisiana Avenue and Pennsylvania Street. The animal, identified as a roughly 1.5‑year‑old male weighing about 100 pounds, was causing concern for nearby residents and businesses.
Tranquilization and safe capture
CPW officers, working alongside Denver Police Department personnel, tranquilized the bear to prevent it from moving further into the urban environment. As the bear descended, it fell through branches and landed on the ground with a less‑than‑graceful impact. Officers quickly secured the animal, confirming that it was unharmed despite the rough tumble.
Relocation to suitable habitat
After the capture, the bear was placed in a transport container and taken to a more appropriate natural setting where it can thrive without posing a risk to city residents. CPW officials said the relocation is part of their ongoing effort to manage wildlife that ventures into populated areas.
Increasing bear activity in Colorado
CPW noted that bear sightings and conflicts have risen sharply this year. From January 1 to August 13, the agency logged 6,129 reports of bear activity, more than double the 3,115 reports recorded during the same period last year. Officials attribute the surge to drought conditions that have reduced natural food sources, prompting bears to search for calories in neighborhoods.
“The drought is forcing bears to seek food in our neighborhoods,” CPW wrote on its X (formerly Twitter) account. The agency urged Coloradans to secure trash, remove bird feeders, and keep vehicles and windows closed to reduce attractants.
Recent similar incidents
This incident follows a recent encounter in Denver’s Harvey Park neighborhood, where a mother bear and her cub were also tranquilized and relocated after remaining in the area for several days. Wildlife officials warn that as bears prepare for winter, they become more active in seeking high‑calorie foods to build fat reserves.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any wildlife sightings to CPW. Prompt reporting helps officials respond quickly, ensuring both public safety and the well‑being of Colorado’s wildlife.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
