Across Colorado, dire drought conditions are giving rise to reports of bear activity and conflict. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported a 68% increase in bear reports over last year for the first seven months of 2026. As the drought impacts bears’ natural food sources this July, it also comes at a critical time for them. 1 reported cause of human-bear conflict in Colorado. “We must first look for an area that has adequate food, shelter, water and little risk for additional potential human-bear conflict.