Increase in Bear Encounters in Colorado Leads to Vehicle Damage

In Colorado, a black bear weighing about 300 pounds spent several days trapped inside a vehicle, causing significant damage to the car’s interior. The bear was found dead after being unable to escape, as reported by The Denver Gazette.

According to Travis Sauder, a wildlife officer from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), bears have the ability to open unlocked car doors while searching for food. However, they often struggle to exit if a door accidentally closes behind them. He explained, “Typically, they pull the door open, get in, find their food, and leave. But sometimes the door closes, and they can’t figure out how to get out.”

The deadly encounter occurred amidst an unusually active year for bear incidents in Colorado, with CPW having received 6,129 reports of bear sightings and conflicts from January 1 to August 13. This number nearly doubles the 3,115 reports from the same period last year and has already exceeded the 5,299 reports recorded throughout 2025.

Wildlife officials attribute the rise in bear encounters to poor natural food conditions, caused by low snowpack and late freezes, pushing bears to extend their search for food. Officer Sauder emphasized this concern as bears enter hyperphagia, a phase where they increase their food and water intake to build fat reserves for winter.

CPW advises residents in bear-prone areas to eliminate potential food sources around homes, campsites, and vehicles. Items like food, trash, and scented products can attract bears looking for a meal. Sauder suggested, “Treat your vehicle like a campsite by removing any attractants. Whether it’s pet food, a kid’s snack, or flavored bubble gum, take it out of your vehicle.”

The organization also warns against feeding bears intentionally. Bears familiar with human-provided food lose their natural fear of humans, leading to increased risk of conflicts. This year could see the highest number of bear-human interactions since digital tracking began in 2019, reports The Gazette.

Brittany Miller contributed to the report as a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital.