CPW concerned over increase in bear sightings

There have been more bear-human interactions in the state of Colorado this year, and Parks and Wildlife are saying they are having a harder time finding the bears a new home.

Officials have had to relocate six bears and put down 17 from areas like Glenwood Springs, Pitkin and Eagles Counties.

There were about half as many last year, according to KRDO NewsChannel 13’s partners in Denver.

Bears usually have a two-strike policy, putting them down if they’re an immediate threat to people.

Crews try to move bears at least 100 miles from where they were caught but Parks and Wildlife staff admits they aren’t sure of the success rate of that. They think animals can easily travel that distance and have excellent memories.