The Odds Of Being Attacked by a Bear in Colorado

One of the best parts about living in Colorado is that you are near some of the most beautiful places in the world to go hiking, camping, and explore the wilderness. There are many amazing places in the state to explore and see, and it isn't uncommon for many to spend time in the wilderness and explore the mountains. There are some threats when hiking in Colorado, such as moose, mountain lions, rock slides, collapsing trails, and bears. When it comes to bears in Colorado, how likely are you to see one, be attacked by one, and should you be worried? 

Bears in Colorado

Colorado is filled with bears, especially once you get to the western part of the state. Anywhere west of I-25 would be considered bear country, and the state is known to have between 17,000 and 20,000 black bears. Anytime you go camping, hiking, fishing, or biking in the mountains, there is a chance you could encounter a bear. Any time you see a bear in the wild, it is a dangerous situation, and if there is a cub nearby, the threat only increases. This is why it is important to always have bear spray with you when going into the wilderness in Colorado. When are the times you should be on the highest alert, when should you be most alert, and what should you do if a bear approaches you? You can click the link above to get a little more detail on bears in Colorado. 

Odds of a Bear Attack in Colorado

If you see a bear in the wild in Colorado, what are the odds you will actually be attacked by it, and how likely is it that the bear will kill you? According to a recent study examining bear attacks across America from 1900 to 2023, Colorado is among the states with the highest number of fatal bear attacks. According to the study, Alaska is the state where you are most likely to be attacked by a bear, with 25 fatal attacks since 1900. The second most dangerous state is Montana, with 18 fatal attacks, and Wyoming is third with 11. Colorado has had the fourth most fatal bear attacks, but the good news is that the number is only four. Colorado does not have grizzly bears like other states on this list, but it has seen the most black bear attacks of any state. The most dangerous times with bears is between March and November. 

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The next time you go hiking or camping, make sure to keep an eye out for bears, but rest easy knowing the odds of being attacked by one, especially killed by one, are low. For more on bears in Colorado, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above.