First Bear Attack in Colorado for 2024

A 74-year-old man in Lake City, Colorado, was attacked by a black bear and her three cubs after they entered his home through a partially open sliding glass door. The man attempted to fend off the bears with a kitchen chair but was knocked into a wall and suffered significant claw injuries to his head, neck, arms, and other areas. Despite the severity of his injuries, he declined hospitalization and was treated on-site. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) euthanized the bears, citing their high level of habituation to humans, which poses a significant threat to public safety. This incident marks the first bear attack in Colorado for 2024, amidst ongoing concerns about bears accessing human food sources. CPW stressed the importance of community collaboration to prevent such occurrences and urged residents to report bear sightings promptly.