Hungry bears wander into US homes, shops in record numbers

A record dry winter has pushed hungry black bears into US homes and shops in unprecedented numbers, according to wildlife experts. The drought wiped out their natural food sources, forcing the animals to seek human food, resulting in a surge in bear encounters across the West. In Colorado, the bear population has rebounded to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000, making the state the epicenter of these encounters.

There have been over 7,000 sightings of bears in 2026 alone, more than double the previous year's record. Bears have been spotted in homes, vape shops, schools, and farmers markets, startling humans and causing property damage. The animals' keen sense of smell is the primary driver of these intrusions, leading to a record number of bear deaths as they interact with humans.

Wildlife agencies are euthanizing hundreds of bears, shot, run over, or electrocuted, to protect public safety. Conservation groups argue that these conflicts are often a result of human negligence and call for better preventive measures. Officials recommend using bear-resistant garbage bins and keeping human food out of reach. Nevada, Utah, and Montana are also experiencing record bear sightings and fatalities, with grizzlies venturing into areas they haven't visited in decades.

Wildlife experts fear the situation may worsen as drought conditions persist, potentially forcing bears to adapt to living around humans and increasing the likelihood of future encounters.