Person sees bear cub on walk — then feels swipe from behind, Colorado officials say
UPDATE: Wildlife officers trapped the mother bear and two of her three yearling cubs near the attack location Wednesday, May 22, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in an update. After confirming it was the same bear in the attack, they killed her and relocated the two cubs to Routt County, where natural foods are more abundant this time of year. Officers removed the traps and won’t try to trap the third bear.
The original story is below.
A person spotted a yearling bear cub on their morning walk near a Colorado ski resort — and then felt a blow from behind them that knocked them to the ground, officials said.
It happened at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, on a path in Steamboat Springs, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
The person’s arm was scraped up from the fall, but they were able to finish the walk before seeking medical attention, officials said.
Wildlife officers set up bear traps in the area and put up signs alerting trail users of “increased bear activity,” officials said. No bears were caught in the traps as of the morning of May 22.
“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,” officials said in the release. “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.”
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published May 22, 2024 at 2:09 PM.
