Bear sightings in Colorado Springs

KRDO cameras captured a bear too close for comfort in downtown Colorado Springs.

“When you live in Colorado and you’re as close to the mountains as we are that’s just part of life. You take that risk on,” said Sean Kelly of Colorado Springs.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ranger Adam Gerstenberger says the 4-year-old bear has been spotted in city limits before.

“He was getting into the trash in Colorado Springs so we relocated him to Teller County. We won’t relocate him again. If they get into trouble twice, then he’ll likely be euthanized,” Gerstenberger said.

“I think it’s responsible to call Parks and Wildlife, but I understand the hesitation because you hate to see the bear be euthanized when it can be re-released in its environment,” said Kelly.

This year 14 bears have been euthanized in Colorado and one of them was from Colorado Springs.

“That was a bear that broke into the house, actually broke the door down,” Gerstenberger said.

We spoke with hikers who also had a very close encounter with a bear this week near Seven Falls.

“We all kind of said at the same time, that’s a bear! what do we do? We walked up the trail and warned the other folks that there was a bear coming toward them,” said Steve Duckworth.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on the trails and I’ve noticed more trash and food left behind,” said Kelly.

Rangers say homeless camps that leave behind trash aren’t helping either.

“I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for six years. I just want to see the rest of the people take care of it, so we don’t cause a threat to the animals and they don’t cause a threat for us,” said Kelly.

A recent Colorado study shows black bears that eat human food from trash don’t survive as long as those left to the wild.

Remember to secure your trash, keep your grill clean, and bring in any birdfeed at night.