DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were called to Denver’s Platt Park neighborhood Sunday morning after a bear was spotted high in a tree.
CPW said the young black bear climbed a tree near Louisiana Avenue and Pennsylvania Street in Denver.
Officers tranquilized the approximately 100-pound, 1½-year-old male bear and, with help from Denver police, safely captured it when it came down from the tree.
Wildlife officials said the bear was not injured and will be relocated to more suitable habitat.
CPW said the state is experiencing more bear conflicts this year, largely due to drought conditions that are reducing natural food sources and driving bears into neighborhoods.
The wildlife agency received 6,129 bear sighting and conflict reports between Jan. 1 and Aug. 13, nearly double the 3,115 reports during the same period last year.
CPW warns that unsecured trash, birdseed, pet food and other attractants can cause bears to lose their natural fear of people, increasing the risk of property damage, public safety issues and, in some cases, the need for relocation or euthanasia.
Denver7 has tracked several recent incidents:
- Colorado sees sixth reported bear attack of 2026 after angler injured near North Fork trail
- Bear bites homeless man in Aspen as Colorado sees record bear activity
- Bear attacks man outside Eagle-Vail apartment complex laundry room, CPW says
- Black bear trapped in unlocked vehicle dies after days in sweltering heat in Colorado Springs
Here are CPW tips to help prevent conflicts:
- Never feed or approach bears. Intentionally feeding wildlife or letting them find accessible food is illegal. It teaches them to approach homes and lose their natural fear of humans.
- Safely store trash, animal feed and other attractants. Lock up trash receptacles and food scraps to eliminate the powerful odors that attract wildlife to residential properties.
- Never leave pet food outdoors. Feed domestic pets indoors or thoroughly clean up bowls immediately after any outdoor feeding.
- Clean and store outdoor grills. Burn off grease and food particles after every use, and store grills inside a secure garage or shed.
- Secure windows and doors. Keep windows and doors locked, especially when leaving the property.
- Know what to do if you encounter a black bear.
- If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach. Stand still, and quietly move away.
- If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response.
- If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell "Hey Bear" until it leaves.
- If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.