Too Many Bears Being Killed in Colorado This Year

It isn't uncommon to see wildlife in Northern Colorado. Drive around for half an hour, and you are likely to see elk, deer, turkeys, or a number of wild animals. While typically, these animals are spotted outside of town, many are also seen within city limits as well. The ones listed above are not uncommon, but other animals are. It is not unheard of, but it is rarer to see moose, mountain lions, and bears. That statement is true most years, but this year, all three have been spotted in town, especially bears. Far too many bears have been spotted in towns around Colorado this summer, and sadly, many of them have been euthanized instead of being relocated.

Hundreds of Bears Euthanized in Colorado in 2026

JimVallee

Many bears have been coming out of the forest and down the mountains into Colorado towns. Many have been spotted in Loveland, Longmont, and Fort Collins. It isn't only Northern Colorado, as they have also been spotted in Colorado Springs and Denver as well. With so many of them being in cities and towns, clearly they need to be removed, but sadly, they aren't being relocated and instead are being euthanized. In 2026, as of the end of August, 294 bears have been euthanized, and only 98 bears have been relocated. To compare to last year, only 83 bears were euthanized. This is a significant jump and an alarming number. Why are so many bears coming into town, and why are so many being euthanized instead of being relocated?

Bears in Colorado Towns

EDANB

The number of bears making their way into towns is higher this year than the average year. The main reason for this is due to the drought. The lack of food and the water levels are driving the bears into towns in hunt for a meal. The smell of dead fish in the air from the lakes, ponds, and streams drying up is likely a factor in this as well, as they are following their noses to the fish. What makes things scary this time of year is that bears are beginning to get ready for hibernation and need to consume about 20,000 calories a day to do so, which can make them more aggressive this time of year as well. The reason for the euthanized bears instead of relocations comes down to a few factors. Bears that have been hit by a vehicle, are suffering, are in poor health, have entered a home or building, or have attacked a human are the ones that get euthanized.

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