A man was attacked by a female black bear while leaving a laundry room at an apartment complex in Eagle-Vail, Colorado, wildlife officials reported.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers responded to the incident on Monday. The man encountered the bear as he exited the laundry room. The animal scratched his arm, and the man injured his foot when he tripped while attempting to escape, according to CPW.
The victim was treated for his injuries at a medical facility and has since been released. He is recovering at home.
Wildlife officials believe the attack underscores how severe drought conditions have driven increased wildlife activity into populated areas. CPW has also received multiple reports of a mother bear and her cubs foraging in neighborhood dumpsters. Officers attempted to capture the sow and her cubs overnight, but the presence of a larger male bear in the vicinity may have deterred them.
A bear trap has been placed in the neighborhood following the attack.
Colorado has seen a high number of bear reports this year, with drought conditions limiting natural food sources and forcing bears to search for sustenance in broader areas. As late summer transitions into fall, bears enter a phase known as hyperphagia, during which they consume up to 20,000 calories daily to prepare for winter hibernation. This natural behavior increases bear activity and the potential for human-bear conflicts.
CPW advises residents to prevent conflicts by never feeding or approaching bears, securely storing trash and other attractants like animal feed, keeping pet food indoors, cleaning outdoor grills after use, and ensuring windows and doors are locked.