CPW responds to viral post showing ‘bear hides’ in Colorado Springs lot
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Viewers sent KRDO13 a photo showing what appear to be dead bears in a lot at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs, prompting questions about why the remains were there.
CPW told KRDO13 that the photo shared shows bear and mountain lion hides. According to CPW, it is retaining the carcasses for training ahead of this year’s training academy for new wildlife officers and damage specialists.
Mike Wupper, an employee who works in a nearby building, is among several local workers familiar with the annual training display. Wupper noted that while the scene can startle passersby, nearby employees have grown accustomed to seeing the animal hides during the defrosting process.
“Yes, I understand why individuals might feel disturbed by it, or perhaps believe their actions regarding the animals are inappropriate,” Wupper said. “However, we witness it every year and actually find it quite interesting.”
Wupper also noted that a distinct scent typically alerts them when the thawing process has begun each year.
CPW says officers may need to examine or process animal carcasses as part of their duties, including wildlife investigations and management activities.
CPW said the hides came from several sources, including bears and mountain lions euthanized for public safety, animals involved in depredation incidents and animals killed in vehicle collisions.
Prior to the annual training session, the remains were kept in an on-site freezer. Agency officials explained that frozen hides are unsafe for staff to handle and must be defrosted outdoors before officers can work with them.
An unblurred version of the photo is included below. Viewer discretion is advised.
The full statement from CPW can be viewed below:
The photo shared on social media shows bear and mountain lion hides in the lot at CPW’s Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs. CPW retains carcasses for this year's training academy, new wildlife officers and damage specialists. Officers will need to examine or process animal carcasses as part of their duties, including wildlife investigations and management activities. Hands-on training helps officers learn proper techniques for handling hides and collecting potential evidence. The hides came from several sources, including bears and mountain lions euthanized for public safety, depredations and animals killed in vehicle collisions.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials stated they will assess whether modifications to the training procedure or public notification efforts are necessary for future sessions.
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