Bears Invade US West Homes Amid Drought

Thousands of black bears are entering towns and cities across the U.S. West in record numbers, driven by the driest winter in memory. This aridification has decimated the natural food sources bears rely on, pushing them to seek out human food due to their keen sense of smell. This has led to a surge in encounters and a tragic record of bear deaths in some states, with hundreds euthanized, struck by vehicles, or killed in other ways.

Wildlife experts are concerned that this trend, expected to continue with ongoing aridification, could lead to bears becoming habituated to human food and even disrupting their hibernation patterns. Development has also encroached on bear habitats, while bear populations, like in Nevada, have rebounded. Colorado, for instance, has seen over 7,000 bear sightings in 2026, surpassing previous records and resulting in several bear attacks.

Authorities are urging residents to use bear-resistant garbage bins and avoid leaving pet food or bird seed accessible. Conservation groups argue that wildlife agencies should implement better conflict prevention strategies, as bears often pay the ultimate price for human negligence. Officials in New Mexico have reported their highest number of bear euthanizations since 2011, and Utah has already set a new annual record for euthanized animals. Even grizzly bear sightings have increased in Montana, with several deaths recorded after interactions with humans or vehicles.