Drought-fueled bear attack ends in euthanization near South Platte
A subadult female black bear knocked a fisherman to the ground and bit his legs on a trail near the North Fork-South Platte confluence in Jefferson County. Witnesses helped scare the bear away, and CPW with a USDA dog team tracked and euthanized the animal early Saturday; the victim, in his 60s, was hospitalized. CPW reports a sixth bear attack in 2026 as historic drought reduces natural foods, pushing bears to forage more aggressively in preparation for hibernation. Officials urge hikers to stay alert, travel in groups, secure trash, and leash dogs to reduce conflicts.
