Bear attacks woman after breaking into Estes Park home, CPW investigating

ESTES PARK, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is investigating a bear attack after an adult bear broke into an Estes Park home early Thursday morning and charged an elderly woman inside.

The bear entered the home around 4:30 a.m. through an unlocked, closed window on the first floor, according to CPW.

The homeowner, a woman in her 80s, told wildlife officers she woke up to find the bear in the kitchen on the second floor. The bear charged her, scratched her across the stomach and knocked her to the ground, according to CPW.

The bear then left through the first-floor window, says CPW.

The woman called 911, and Larimer County Sheriff's deputies responded. No bear was found at the scene. The woman sought medical treatment for her abdominal injuries, according to officials.

CPW has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in locating the bear involved in the attack.

According to wildlife officials, heavy bear activity has been reported in the area, with multiple bears breaking into occupied homes and vehicles over the past few days.

“As we continue to navigate this extraordinary bear year, please continue to be vigilant in removing food and trash that may attract bears to your property,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch. “Wildlife officers are working tirelessly to respond to an unprecedented number of bear reports, and we are counting on the community to help mitigate conflict."

CPW says the entire state is experiencing high bear conflict this year, largely because drought conditions are depleting natural food sources for bears.

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