COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

Colorado Parks and Wildlife responds to bear attack in Steamboat Springs Tuesday morning

UPDATE at 7:00 a.m. on May 23

The sow and two of the three yearling cubs were trapped Wednesday afternoon near the location of the attack. Using information gathered during the investigation, wildlife officers positively identified the bear as the same one involved in the attack. The bear was taken away from the area and humanely euthanized per CPW policy, and will be sent to the CPW Wildlife Health Lab in Fort Collins for further analysis.

At this age, yearling cubs are no longer dependent on their mother for food, relying solely on natural forage they gather themselves. This time of year, natural foods such as grasses, plants, and insects are abundant in Routt County. After evaluating the bears on Wednesday and taking into consideration previous observations, wildlife officers determined all three bears have the necessary skills to survive on their own. The two yearling cubs in the trap have been relocated to a location in southern Routt County. Because it was determined the bears can survive on their own, all traps have been removed and wildlife officers will not attempt to trap the third bear.

This is still an ongoing investigation. Any new information will be shared as an update by CPW in this news release.

Original News Release May 22

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife wildlife officers responded to a bear attack in Steamboat Springs on the morning of Tuesday, May 21. The victim sustained minor abrasions to their​​ arm and was able to finish their​​ walk before going to receive first aid.

Around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, the victim notified Colorado Parks and Wildlife that they had been swiped at from behind by a black bear while on their morning walk. The victim reported to the wildlife officer that they had been walking on the path connecting Walton Creek Road and Mt. Werner Circle near the ski resort and noticed a yearling cub in the area. They then felt a swipe from behind and were knocked to the ground where they received scrapes to their arm from falling. 

Local wildlife officers have set up bear traps and placed signage to notify those walking the trail of increased bear activity. As of Wednesday morning, no bears have been caught in the traps.

This is still an ongoing investigation. At this time, no additional information will be released by CPW.

This incident serves as a good reminder that bears are active in Steamboat Springs. Being alert, keeping your dog on a leash, and knowing what to do if you encounter a bear is important. Remember, if you see a bear don’t run.  Stand still, stay calm, and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately to give them space.