Jefferson County, Colorado – A local resident in his 60s is recovering after a bear attack that occurred Friday night near the point where the North and South Platte Rivers meet. The man was walking back to his vehicle after a fishing trip when the animal lunged at him, knocking him to the ground and biting his legs.
Witnesses said the bear, identified as a female, continued to assault the man for several minutes before bystanders were able to scare it off. Emergency responders transported the victim to a hospital where he received treatment for leg injuries. He remains in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Response by wildlife officials
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, dispatched a trained dog team to locate the bear. The animal was found early Saturday morning and was euthanized in accordance with CPW policy for dangerous wildlife encounters.
CPW officials noted that the bear showed no signs of nursing and that no cubs were discovered in the vicinity, suggesting the animal was solitary. This incident marks the sixth reported bear attack in Colorado this year, a period when bears typically increase activity as they prepare for winter.
Why bears are becoming bolder
According to CPW, a historic drought has reduced natural food sources for bears, prompting some to venture closer to human activity in search of calories. The agency urges residents to remain vigilant when outdoors, especially in areas where wildlife is known to roam.
Key safety recommendations include:
- Secure trash and food scraps to avoid attracting bears.
- Keep dogs leashed at all times.
- Camp in designated areas and follow proper food storage guidelines.
- If you encounter a bear, do not approach or run; instead, back away slowly and make yourself appear larger.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively.
These guidelines are intended to reduce the likelihood of future human‑wildlife conflicts and protect both residents and the animals that share Colorado’s wilderness.
Community impact
The incident has reminded Jefferson County residents of the importance of coexisting responsibly with wildlife. Local outdoor groups are planning informational sessions on bear safety, and CPW will continue to monitor bear activity throughout the season.
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Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
