Glenwood Springs, CO – On Monday afternoon a male resident leaving the laundry room of an apartment complex near Eagle‑Vail encountered a female black bear. The bear swiped at his arm, leaving a scratch, and the man tripped, injuring his foot while trying to escape, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported.
Family members rushed the injured man to a local hospital where he received treatment for both the arm and foot wounds. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
CPW Response and Ongoing Efforts
CPW officers remained on scene overnight in an effort to capture the sow and her cubs. Officials believe a larger male bear in the area may have caused the mother and her young to stay nearby. To prevent further incidents, CPW has placed a bear trap in the neighborhood and continues to monitor the situation.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
CPW reminded the community that avoiding bear conflicts requires a collective effort. Their guidelines include:
- If you see a black bear that has not noticed you, stand still and quietly move away.
- If the bear sees you, back away slowly—never run.
- If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms, and loudly say, “Hey Bear,” until it leaves.
- If a bear makes contact, do not play dead; fight back aggressively.
These steps are intended to protect both people and wildlife, encouraging bears to keep their distance from human habitation.
Living with Bears in Colorado
The incident underscores the challenges of coexisting with wildlife in Colorado’s mountainous regions. Residents are encouraged to secure trash, remove food sources, and keep pet food indoors to reduce attractants. For more detailed information on living safely with bears, CPW provides resources on its website.
While the injured man’s recovery proceeds, the community remains vigilant, awaiting further updates from CPW regarding the capture of the bear and any additional safety measures.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
