Colorado black bear dies after becoming trapped inside unlocked car for days: report

A black bear estimated to be around 300 pounds spent days trapped inside a vehicle before being found dead in Colorado Springs.

According to a wildlife officer with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), bears are intelligent and dexterous enough to open unlocked car doors while searching for food, but can struggle to escape if a door closes behind them. The officer noted that typically, bears will pull the door open, retrieve their food, and then leave. However, in some cases, the door may close behind them, making it difficult for the bear to figure out how to get out.

This incident highlights concerns about bear sightings and conflicts in Colorado, which have been unusually active this year. CPW has received 6,129 reports of bear encounters between January 1 and August 13, nearly double the number recorded during the same period last year. The increase in encounters is attributed to poor natural food conditions, including low snowpack and late freezes that have reduced some of the bears' typical food sources.

Wildlife officials warn that as bears enter a period of hyperphagia, where they consume large amounts of food and water to build fat reserves for winter, the risk of conflicts increases. To mitigate this, CPW advises people living in bear country to eliminate potential food sources and other attractants that can draw bears close to homes, campsites, and vehicles.

CPW also cautions against intentionally feeding bears, as this can lead to a loss of natural fear and increase the risk of conflicts. This year is on pace to produce the highest number of reported bear-human interactions since CPW began digitally tracking them in 2019.