Bear activity across Montezuma County has dropped significantly in recent weeks, shifting from the high-conflict period this fall.
Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said calls about black bears have declined since mid-October, when state wildlife officials warned that drought, poor food supplies and the hyperphagia feeding period combined to push bears into neighborhoods. Those areas included Dolores, Mancos, Cortez and San Juan National Forest.
“Yes, it has decreased, across the entire county,” Nowlin said.
The timing relates to denning, although male and female bears enter dens at different times, typically between mid-September and late November.
One bear is still foraging in Dolores trash cans, and Nowlin said he received a call about it Monday evening. No calls or sightings were reported Tuesday or Wednesday morning. He added none of the bears this season have been aggressive.
“It’s like, hurry up and go to bed, will you?” he said. “I am hoping the weather and colder temperatures have nudged this bear to hibernation, but only time will tell. She was just trying to get into a dumpster that was chained.”
No recent reports have involved livestock, pets, fruit trees or break-ins at homes, he said. The slowdown is noticeable and widespread – an improvement from earlier in the fall, when deputies were handling several bear calls a week.
At that same time in mid-October, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported the greatest spike in human-bear interaction since 2017 across Southwest Colorado.
Reports of bear-human incidents in the agency’s coverage zone – Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, San Juan and Archuleta counties – rose sharply. Since October, there has been a 199% increase compared with 2023, with 855 additional reports.
Across Dolores and Montezuma counties this year through Oct. 17 – fall being peak bulking season for bears – the incidents totaled 113.
Most incidents recorded by CPW – 72 of 113 – involved food-related property damage, such as bears breaking into trash or sheds and eating from bird feeders or fruit trees on private land. From late summer into fall, bears need about 20,000 calories a day to store fat for winter.
High-calorie food is needed during bears’ hyperphagia phase, when they feed almost nonstop. Wildlife officials reported a lack of food sources, such as weaker production of chokecherries, berries and oak acorns. Other factors such as drought, fire and prescribed burns also contributed to food shortages.
“We’ve had a dry summer and poor natural food production, which pushes bears into towns,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson John Livingston in October. Bears are highly intelligent animals, develop skills for survival and have great memories.
In Dolores, residents must adhere to a town ordinance requiring bear locks on all residential and commercial containers. However, unsecured trash remains the main driver of human-bear contact. Nowlin says recent improvements to trash practices have helped reduce those contacts.
“Yes, it has been better, and that helps a lot,” he said.
A mountain lion has been spotted roaming the Dolores canyons and rock cliffs. Nowlin said several are following deer herds as they migrate to lower elevations. This helps reduce deer-related crashes somewhat.
“Our drivers are the ones reducing deer populations because of daily crashes with these animals,” he said.
Nonetheless, Nowlin said, if you are out driving, jogging, hiking or biking, be aware of your surroundings.
Tips to stay safe
CPW encourages people to call the agency if they spot a bear. After 5 p.m., emergencies are routed to county dispatch. If a bear gets into your home, immediately dial 911.
If you encounter a bear, don’t approach. Stop, give it space, make yourself look big, shouting “Hey, bear!” – but ensure it has an escape route.
If the animal lingers, toss pine cones or small rocks to haze it away without harm.
Around homes and schools, use loud noises – clapping, banging pots or air horns – to keep bears from getting comfortable.
Learn warning signs: grunts, jaw-popping or teeth-clicking may mean you’re too close and need to back off.
