Urgent Warning: Aggressive Bear Sighted in West Durango
UPDATE: An aggressive bear has been reported in the Delwood Avenue and Arroyo Drive neighborhoods of west Durango, prompting emergency officials to issue a Code Red alert at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Residents received urgent notifications via text and phone call, advising them to stay indoors as authorities assess the situation.
As of Wednesday morning, details about the bear’s behavior remain unclear, with the agency responsible for the alert still unidentified. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), there have been a staggering 231 bear sightings or incidents reported in La Plata County this season, signaling a concerning trend.
John Livingston, a spokesperson for CPW, expressed alarm over the high number of incidents this early in the summer. “It’s always alarming when we get a lot of incidents this early in the summer, but it’s not totally uncommon for Durango,” he noted. The heightened bear activity typically occurs as they search for food to prepare for winter hibernation.
Livingston explained that late summer and early fall are critical periods when bears become increasingly desperate for calories, leading to more conflicts with humans. The rise in bear sightings correlates with a marked increase in “hobby chicken farming,” which has been particularly problematic northeast of city limits along Florida Road (County Road 240).
In July alone, Bear Smart Durango reported receiving 42 bear sightings, with an alarming 86% linked to human food sources. The organization emphasizes the importance of immediate reporting to mitigate potential conflicts. There is a common misconception that reporting a bear will lead to its trapping or euthanization, but Livingston clarified that early reporting allows them to intervene without resorting to such measures.
For those with backyard chicken coops, Livingston recommends using electric fencing as a protective measure, although it is only permitted outside Durango city limits. In addition to chicken coops, garbage and human food serve as significant attractants for bears, making it crucial for residents to secure their trash and food sources.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any bear sightings to CPW immediately. With bear activity on the rise, the safety of both the community and the wildlife depends on proactive measures. This developing situation highlights the need for awareness and preparedness as summer progresses.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and ensure you are taking the necessary precautions to protect your home and family.
