Colorado Bear Coalition

Keeping Bears Wild and Safe

Together, we’re creating a network of communities across Colorado—all dedicated to preserving the welfare of bears and people.

Proactive Management

Keeping bears out of town before they get into trouble.
Collaboration

Establishing shared goals between community, government and state wildlife managers.
Creative Solutions

Developing new and effective approaches for keeping bears out of town.

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News

Q&A with Executive Director Brenda Lee:
We are addressing the #1 problem

What inspired you to start CBC?

In response to requests for help in reducing human-bear conflict across Colorado, a common theme emerged: while communities were motivated towards change they were overwhelmed by scale. The coalition created a network of support for communities to discuss problems, brainstorm solutions and reduce the number of bears killed in Colorado.

Which CBC project are you most energized by right now?

The statewide trash statute. We are proactively addressing the #1 cause of problem bear behavior by working with stakeholders across industries including city officials, trash haulers, residents, CPW, and nonprofits.

What do you wish people understood about human-bear conflict?

That bears in urban areas is a human problem, not a bear problem. We have tools to decrease the number of bears displaying nuisance behavior (as defined by CPW directive), which is often a lethal designation. The status quo is not working, and we can do better.

What are you most excited for in the next year of CBC’s work?

Expanding our impact by scaling our efforts. We have specific goals to reach in the next two years. This year’s focus is on working with stakeholders to create a statewide trash statue. By creating a more responsible balance between bears and humans we can ensure more bears live the life they were born to live. I’m excited to see what we will accomplish in 2025 and beyond!

See previous newsletters…

November 2022

November 2023

In the News: Annual Bear Reports

2024 Bear Activity Report

CPW reports an above average number of bear conflicts and sightings in 2024, offers regional insights from area wildlife managers.
November 1, 2024

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2023 Bear Activity Report

Colorado saw fewer human-bear conflicts in 2023 due to good natural food production compared to recent years
February 26, 2024

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2022 Bear Activity Report

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports human and bear conflicts are on the rise across Colorado.
February 15, 2023

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In the News: Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant

2024 Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant Recipients Announced

Governor Polis and CPW announced the 2024 funding recipients.
AUGUST 22, 2024

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2023 Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant Recipients Announced

Working to Keep Communities Safe and Protect Colorado Wildlife
AUGUST 22, 2023

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2022 Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Grant Recipients Announced

Governor Polis announces the first recipients of this annual grant..
JULY 15, 2022

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In the News: Media coverage relating to bears

Guest Opinion

Guest Opinion: Melinda Marquis
Avoid human-bear contact, get rid of your bird feeder
JULY 8, 2024

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New CPW Director Announced

Governor Jared Polis announced the hiring of Jeff Davis as the new Director of CPW
APRIL 6, 2023

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Aspen Bear Alliance

With the support of the Colorado Bear Coalition, the Aspen Bear Alliance has formed.
2/18/23

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Guest Opinion

Guest opinion: Brenda Lee: Protecting bears and human safety is everyone’s responsibility
12/18/22

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Why Is New Jersey Planning to Kill 20 Percent of Tagged Bears This Week?
12/5/22

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David Neils discusses the importance of maximizing the health of Colorado’s black bears.
10/28/22

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Colorado Bear Coalition hosts ‘town hall’ to explain bear killings
9/27/22

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9 News

Conservationists supply needed drinking water to a popular bear watering hole to prevent them from coming into town.
9/16/22

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CBS Denver News

Bears in Colorado segment with Colorado Bear Coalition.
9/13/22

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Aspen Times highlights upcoming community meeting hosted by Colorado Bear Coalition
9/13/22

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Editorial

Colorado Bear Coalition responds to recent killing of Aspen sow and cubs.
9/6/22

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On August 21st, a sow and her 4 cubs were euthanized for entering a home in Aspen.
8/23/22

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Colorado Bear Coalition works with residents and farmers to reduce attractants that are bringing bears into Longmont.
7/21/22

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