A young black bear had quite an adventure in Denver on Sunday when it took a fall from a tree after wildlife officers tranquilized it for relocation to a better habitat.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), officers were called to the scene near Louisiana Avenue and Pennsylvania Street. The CPW shared on social media, “This morning we responded to a bear in a tree … in Denver. Not a typo. In Denver.”
After tranquilizing the bear, officers worked alongside the Denver Police Department to catch the animal as it fell. “It didn’t have the smoothest landing, but the bear is ok!” they noted.
Video from the incident captured the bear tumbling through the branches before officers managed to secure it on the ground.
CPW identified the bear as a roughly 1.5-year-old male, weighing about 100 pounds. They mentioned that it would be taken to a more suitable environment for release.
This unusual encounter highlights a growing trend in bear sightings in Colorado this year, attributed to drought conditions and a decline in natural food sources. The agency reported over 6,100 bear sightings and conflicts from January 1 to August 13, which is a significant increase compared to just over 3,100 during the same timeframe last year.
They also pointed out that drought conditions are prompting more bears to venture into neighborhoods searching for food. “You’re not crazy, we are seeing more bear conflicts this year,” CPW stated. “The drought is forcing bears to seek food in our neighborhoods.”
Wildlife officials advise residents in Colorado to secure their trash until the morning of collection, take down bird feeders, and ensure that cars and windows are locked to minimize food access for bears.
This bear incident comes shortly after a mother bear and her cub were spotted wandering in the nearby Harvey Park neighborhood. CPW had to tranquilize and relocate those bears after they lingered in the populated area for several days.
As winter approaches, Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises that bears may become more active as they attempt to find enough calories to build their fat reserves for hibernation.
