Hungry bears wander into US homes and shops amid drought

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

Black bears are increasingly entering towns across the western U.S., including Granby, Colorado, due to severe drought reducing their natural food supply. This rise in human-bear encounters has led to record sightings and incidents, prompting wildlife officials to call for improved management to prevent conflicts and protect both bears and residents.

Amid ongoing drought conditions in the western United States, black bears are increasingly venturing into towns and cities in search of food, leading to a surge in human-wildlife encounters and a rising number of bear-related incidents. Residents in areas such as Granby, Colorado, have reported unusual intrusions, including instances of bears entering homes and local businesses.

Matt Errico of Granby recounted a recent episode in which two young bears, about the size of golden retrievers, entered his residence. This encounter followed previous instances of bears scavenging through trash but marked a rare event of bears entering the home itself. Granby, located approximately 92 kilometers northwest of Denver, is among several mountain towns experiencing increased bear activity.

Wildlife officials attribute the unusual behavior to the driest winter on record in many parts of the West, which has severely diminished the availability of natural bear foods such as plants, grasses, berries, and nuts—amounting to roughly 90% of their diet. Deprived of these resources, bears’ strong olfactory senses are drawing them toward human settlements and food sources.

State agencies have reported numerous sightings, including bears near schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico, bears climbing trees at a Denver farmers market, and encounters in urban and suburban environments across multiple states. Colorado has seen more than 7,000 bear sightings in 2026 alone, a figure surpassing the previous annual record set in 2019. At least six attacks have been documented in the state this year. Despite these numbers, only about 1.5% to 2% of bear sightings result in euthanization, primarily when animals pose a direct threat to human safety or cause significant property damage.

Bear populations are rebounding in several western states after historical declines. Colorado, which is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 black bears, has witnessed rapid growth in both human and bear populations. Urban expansion into traditional bear habitats around cities like Colorado Springs and Vail has increased opportunities for interaction. Nevada has also reported a resurgence of black bears following near eradication more than a century ago.

New Mexico has recorded an uptick in bear-related fatalities and management actions, with 187 bears euthanized or relocated so far in 2026, the highest number since 2011. Recent weeks saw the state’s first fatal bear attack in 25 years. Utah similarly reported a rise in euthanizations, with 39 bears killed this year, marking a new annual record. Montana is seeing increased grizzly bear sightings in regions they had long avoided, as populations expand their range.

Experts warn that ongoing aridification may lead to longer periods without sufficient wild forage, potentially causing bears to become dependent on human food sources and altering their natural behaviors, including hibernation cycles. Conservationists emphasize the need for proactive management strategies to reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary bear deaths, urging residents to promptly report bear sightings to authorities to enable early intervention and non-lethal deterrence measures.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.