Colorado dog walker scratched after tripping while fleeing mother bear and cub in Boulder

A Boulder man was scratched on the back after tripping over a leash while running from a mother bear and her cub late on Sept. 6, Colorado Parks & Wildlife said.

The incident occurred about 11 p.m. on High Street, a short residential road in the city. The man, who was walking two dogs, reported the encounter to wildlife officials after the animal scratched his back; he described the wounds as superficial. Officers who responded to the scene reported overturned trash cans and other signs of bear activity, but the mother and cub were not located after several hours of searching.

Colorado wildlife officials and local managers said the timing of the encounter is typical. Bears increase their food intake in late summer and fall in a period of intense feeding known as hyperphagia as they prepare for hibernation, seeking high-calorie sources in natural and human-dominated areas. Federal and state agencies say bears can consume large amounts of food—sometimes described as the equivalent of thousands of calories a day—driving them to search dumpsters, yards and bird feeders.

Boulder's Area Wildlife Manager Jason Duetsch advised residents to report bear sightings to Colorado Parks & Wildlife and to take steps that reduce attractants. "Colorado Parks and Wildlife should always be the first call when bears are spotted in town," Duetsch said. He urged homeowners to secure trash, remove bird feeders, and lock doors, windows and garages to avoid unintentionally feeding bears.

The National Park Service and state wildlife agencies emphasize that most bear encounters end without injury, but they advise people not to run, not to climb trees, and to make themselves appear large while calmly leaving the area. Officials recommend picking up small children and identifying oneself to the animal so it recognizes humans as non-prey. Bear spray is cited as an effective deterrent in areas with frequent bear activity.

Bears are widespread in mountainous and forested states, with higher populations reported in states such as Alaska, California, Maine, Idaho and Oregon, according to population assessments. Wildlife managers say residential sightings tend to rise in late summer and early fall because animals are seeking additional calories before winter dormancy.

In Boulder, CPW officers and local staff continue routine monitoring during the season and encourage residents to take preventative measures. Securing potential food sources and promptly reporting sightings help wildlife managers track movements and reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters as bears move through urban and suburban neighborhoods.