UPDATE: An aggressive bear has prompted emergency officials to issue a Code Red alert for residents in west Durango. The alert went out at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, warning those in the Delwood Avenue and Arroyo Drive neighborhoods to stay indoors immediately.
Emergency notifications were disseminated via text and phone calls, creating a sense of urgency among local residents. As of now, the specifics surrounding the bear’s behavior remain unclear, as the organization responsible for the alert has not been publicly identified.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), there have been 231 bear sightings or incidents reported in La Plata County as of July 14. John Livingston, a spokesman for CPW, expressed concern, stating, “It’s always alarming when we get a lot of incidents this early in the summer, but it’s not totally uncommon for Durango.”
As the summer progresses, bears become increasingly active in search of food to prepare for winter hibernation. “Bears get more active and more involved in conflicts with humans, typically the time of year where they’re trying to just really pack on those pounds late and are desperate for calories,” added Livingston.
Recent trends show a disturbing rise in bear conflicts, particularly involving chicken coops, attributed to the growing popularity of hobby chicken farming. This trend is especially evident northeast of Durango along Florida Road (County Road 240). To mitigate bear encounters, Livingston recommends electric fencing, although it’s only permitted outside city limits due to Durango’s regulations.
In addition to chicken coops, human food and garbage remain significant attractants for bears. The advocacy group Bear Smart Durango has reported receiving 42 bear reports in July, with an alarming 86% linked to human food sources.
Authorities urge residents to report bear sightings immediately, debunking the common misconception that reporting a bear will lead to its relocation or euthanization. Livingston emphasized, “We want to encourage people to call us early while we still have a chance to intervene, without ever having to set a trap.”
As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay alert and remain indoors until further notice. Bear encounters are expected to escalate as the summer progresses, making immediate awareness crucial for community safety.
For ongoing updates, follow local news sources and stay tuned for alerts from La Plata Emergency.
