Bear in Durango dies after CPW says trash blocked stomach and intestine

DURANGO, Colo. (KRDO) -- A bear in Durango has died after eating Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says it ate too much trash.

According to officials, the bear was incredibly bloated and weighed around 300 pounds. CPW officers took a report on Saturday of a black bear behind someone's home that appeared lethargic. When officers arrived, they noticed the bear moaning, and unable to move aside from standing up and pivoting.

After darting the bear, CPW officers made the decision to euthanize it. CPW says its officers conducted a field necropsy and found the bear's stomach and upper intestine completely blocked with trash. CPW estimates the bear was around 18 years old.

According to officials, a bear matching the size and coloration of this bear had previously been caught breaking into homes nearby, and they were able to determine this was most likely that same bear.

CPW is reminding residents after this incident to properly secure trash to avoid any human-bear conflicts.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.