UPDATE: An urgent alert has been issued for residents in west Durango due to an “aggressive” bear sighting. Emergency officials activated a Code Red alert at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, warning those in the Delwood Avenue and Arroyo Drive neighborhoods to stay indoors immediately.
Residents received alarming notifications via text and phone calls from “La Plata Emergency,” prompting immediate concern. As of July 14, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported a staggering 231 bear sightings or incidents in La Plata County this year, indicating a critical situation for the community.
“It’s always alarming when we get a lot of incidents this early in the summer, but it’s not totally uncommon for Durango,”
stated CPW spokesman John Livingston. The heightened bear activity is linked to the bears’ search for food as they prepare for winter hibernation, leading to increased human encounters.
Typically, late summer and early fall see bears becoming more desperate for calories, which often results in conflicts with humans. This year, especially, bear encounters involving chicken coops have surged, attributed to the rise in “hobby chicken farming.” A notable uptick has occurred northeast of the city limits along Florida Road (County Road 240).
Livingston recommends the installation of electric fencing to safeguard chicken coops; however, it is only permitted outside city limits due to Durango’s regulations against such measures. In addition to chicken coops, human food and garbage continue to be significant attractants for bears.
Bear Smart Durango reported 42 bear incidents in July alone, with an alarming 86% linked to human food sources, as posted on their Facebook page. This statistic underscores the urgent need for residents to manage food waste and secure attractants effectively.
Authorities urge anyone who spots a bear to report it immediately. A common misconception is that contacting CPW results in the bear being trapped or euthanized, but Livingston clarified,
“We want to encourage people to call us early while we still have a chance to intervene, without ever having to set a trap.”
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and proactive in their response to this urgent situation. As the bear population continues to interact with human environments, community safety depends on timely reporting and effective management of attractants.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and ensure your safety by adhering to local advisories. Share this information to help spread awareness and keep your neighbors informed.