Rocky Mountain drought drives hungry bears into cities and residential areas

The short version

• Drought has diminished natural food supplies such as berries and nuts in the Rockies, prompting bears to venture into urban zones.[Associated Press]
• Officials in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico report sharp increases in bear sightings, campground raids, and human conflicts.[Associated Press]
• State authorities and property owners have killed dozens of bears in Utah and 187 in New Mexico following frequent intrusions.[Associated Press]
• Data indicates unsecured garbage bins remain the primary attractant drawing bears into communities.[Associated Press]

Key facts

• Extensive drought in the Rocky Mountains depleted supplies of nuts, berries, and plants, pushing hungry bears toward urban areas.[Associated Press]
• Colorado officials recorded twice the average volume of bear sightings and human confrontations this year.[Associated Press]
• Authorities in Utah have killed more than three dozen bears this year, surpassing the previous three years combined.[Associated Press]
• In New Mexico, wildlife personnel and authorized property owners have killed 187 bears, marking the highest level since 2011.[Associated Press]
• Unsecured trash bins represent the largest attractant behind the surge in bear encounters, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Parched summer in the Rockies sends hungry bears into urban areas and confrontations with peopleAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press