Bear activity is up sharply in Rio Blanco County this year, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife receiving 189 bear reports between Jan. 1 and Sept. 13. That compares with just 56 reports during the same period in 2025 — an increase of about 237.5%, according to Rachael Gonzales, Northwest Region public information officer for CPW.
The increase mirrors a statewide surge in bear activity. Drought and wildfire conditions have reduced natural food sources, pushing bears…
