A hiker in Steamboat Springs, Colorado was swiped at by a mother black bear while out on a walk. Despite sustaining scrapes on their arms, the hiker was able to finish their walk before receiving first aid. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials trapped the bear and two of her cubs following the attack. The mother bear was euthanized while the cubs were released, as per the agency’s policy to kill bears that have attacked humans or pose an immediate threat. The yearling cubs were deemed capable of fending for themselves.
The hiker mentioned that they had seen a cub in the area before being knocked to the ground from behind by the mother bear. Wildlife officials advised individuals who come across bears to avoid running and instead stand still, remain calm, and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight. If cubs are present, it is likely that their mother is close by, so it is recommended to leave the area immediately to give them space. Steamboat Springs is known for its bear activity, as it is nestled in the Rocky Mountains.
In a similar incident that occurred two years ago, a Colorado man woke up to a 400-pound bear rummaging through dog food in his home. He grabbed a gun and shot the bear until it collapsed and died. The recent attack serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining cautious when in areas known for bear activity. Colorado Parks and Wildlife enforces a policy to euthanize bears that have attacked humans or pose a threat to public safety.
The hiker who was swiped at by the mother bear in Steamboat Springs suffered minor scrapes on their arms but was able to continue their walk before receiving first aid. Following the attack, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials managed to trap the bear and two of her cubs. The mother bear was euthanized in accordance with the agency’s policy, while the cubs were released as they were capable of finding food and fending for themselves. It is advised to remain calm and slowly back away if you come across a bear, rather than running, to avoid provoking them.
Wildlife officials recommend that individuals encountering bears remain calm and slowly back away, rather than running. If cubs are present, it is likely that the mother bear is nearby, and it is important to give them space by leaving the area. Steamboat Springs, located in the Rocky Mountains, is known for its bear activity. In a previous incident, a Colorado man had to shoot and kill a bear that had entered his home and posed a threat. These encounters emphasize the importance of exercising caution in areas where bear activity is common, as bears may act defensively if they feel threatened.
