Colorado Cracks Down on Bear Attractants: Stricter Laws Now in Effect

Colorado is intensifying its stance on residents leaving food and trash accessible to bears, a move driven by a surge in human-wildlife conflicts. A new law, House Bill 26-1342, now allows citations for knowingly leaving attractants like food or garbage where bears can access them, without requiring a prior warning.

This legislation comes as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has seen a significant increase in bear encounters. Drought and reduced natural food sources are pushing bears into neighborhoods. Under the new law, third or subsequent violations can incur fines up to $5,000, a stark increase from previous regulations.

Wildlife officials emphasize that "a fed bear is a dead bear," as habituated bears lose their natural fear, leading to property damage and dangerous encounters that often result in euthanasia. In 2025, CPW relocated 68 bears and euthanized 98 due to conflicts.

Colorado's approach mirrors a national shift towards stricter, enforceable regulations. States like Florida, New Jersey, Alaska, California, Washington, and North Carolina are also escalating penalties for attractant violations, prioritizing reducing human food sources for wildlife. Despite these measures, some states like Maine and Idaho still permit regulated bear baiting for hunting purposes.