Colorado Records Over 7,000 Bear Sightings in 2026 Amid Severe Western Drought

Colorado has logged more than 7,000 bear sightings in 2026, marking a record high for the state. Prolonged drought conditions across the American West have depleted natural food sources, pushing malnourished bears toward human settlements. The animals have been spotted scavenging through trash cans and venturing into homes and towns in search of food. Experts note that many encounters are triggered by preventable factors such as unsecured garbage bins and unattended bird feeders. Rising regional populations living closer to wildlife habitats are also contributing to the increasing frequency of these incidents.