A black bear was found deceased inside a car in Colorado Springs after spending several days trapped within. Estimated at around 300 pounds, the bear reportedly entered the vehicle, causing significant damage while attempting to escape. This information comes from The Denver Gazette, highlighting a concerning trend in increased bear encounters in the region.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officer Travis Sauder, bears can open unlocked car doors when searching for food. However, once inside, they may find it difficult to exit if the door closes behind them. Sauder noted, “Typically, they pull the door open, get in, get their food, and then they leave. But sometimes the door closes behind them, and they have trouble figuring out how to get out.”
The state of Colorado has seen heightened bear activity this year, with CPW receiving 6,129 reports of bear encounters and conflicts between January 1 and August 13. This figure is nearly double the previous year’s total of 3,115 for the same period and has already surpassed the 2025 total of 5,299. This increase in bear activity has been linked to poor natural food conditions caused by low snowpack and late freezes, leading bears to travel further for sustenance.
Bears are now entering hyperphagia, a phase where they consume large quantities of food and water to prepare for winter. As a result, CPW advises residents in bear-prone areas to remove potential food sources from vehicles and properties. Food remnants, trash, and scented items can lure bears seeking easy meals. Officer Sauder emphasized, “Treat your vehicle the way you would a campsite by removing any attractants, whether it’s pet food, a kid’s snack or even flavored bubble gum.”
CPW also stresses the importance of not feeding bears intentionally, as it can reduce their natural fear of humans and increase the likelihood of conflicts. Reports indicate that this year may see the highest number of recorded bear-human interactions since CPW began tracking data digitally in 2019.
CPW has not yet responded to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding this case.
Reported by Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital breaking news writer, and Syracuse University graduate.