Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigating reported bear attack in Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife are investigating a reported bear attack on a woman hiking in Apex Park that occurred around 5:20 p.m. on June 21.

CPW says the woman reported that the bear grabbed her backpack and made contact with her leg. According to the woman, the bear followed her down the trail for more than 30 minutes despite attempts to haze it with sticks, rocks and loud noises.

CPW says two other hikers reportedly joined her in trying to scare the bear from the area; the bear eventually left and crossed a gully.

The woman told CPW that the bear then began following a separate pair of hikers on another trail.

CPW says they were unable to locate the bear and that officers continue to search for the bear. Apex Park has been closed due to bear activity, and CPW asks that the community report any bear sighting to the Denver CPW Office at 303-291-7227 or by calling Colorado State Patrol dispatch at *277.

This is the first bear attack in Colorado for 2026; however, CPW says bear sightings are high this year, likely due to the warm and dry winter.

CPW shared the following "BearWise" basics:

1. Stay Alert & Stay Together - Pay attention to your surroundings and stay together. Walk, hike, jog, or cycle with others when possible. Keep kids within sight and close by. Leave earbuds at home and make noise periodically so bears can avoid you.
2. Leave No Trash or Food Scraps - Double bag your food when hiking and pack out all food and trash. Don't burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill. Leaving scraps, wrappers, or even "harmless" items like apple cores teaches bears to associate trails and campsites with food.
3. Keep Dogs Leashed - Letting dogs chase or bark at bears is asking for trouble; don't force a bear to defend itself. Keep your dogs leashed at all times or leave them at home. 
4. Camp Safely - Set up camp away from dense cover and natural food sources. Cook as far from your tent as possible. Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local regulations vary.
5. Know What To Do If You See a Black Bear - If you see a bear before it notices you, don't approach. Stand still, enjoy, then quietly move away. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell "Hey Bear" until it leaves. Stay with your group. If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. If a black bear makes contact with you, do NOT play dead; fight back aggressively.
6. Carry Bear Spray & Know How To Use It - Bear spray is proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens you. It doesn't work like bug repellent, so never spray your tent, campsite or belongings.

For more information on bears in Colorado, click here.

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