Severe Trash Blockage Forces Euthanasia Of 18-Year-Old Black Bear in Colorado
A roughly 300-pound black bear died in Durango this weekend after Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers discovered its stomach and upper intestine were completely blocked by trash. The incident is the latest warning about the deadly consequences of unsecured garbage for Colorado bears during an especially difficult year for wildlife.
Bear Found Severely Bloated in Durango
CPW received a report Saturday of a black bear behind a home on Delwood Avenue that appeared lethargic and largely unresponsive to people. District Wildlife Manager Luke Clancy found the bear moaning and severely bloated, with its movement limited to standing and pivoting from side to side.
After officers darted the bear and conducted a health assessment, three CPW officers determined that euthanasia was necessary.
A field necropsy revealed the cause of the bear’s suffering. Its stomach and upper intestine were completely obstructed by human trash, including entire plastic garbage bags and at least 10 non-flushable cleaning wipes. The lower intestine was empty, indicating that the blockage had prevented material from passing through.
CPW estimated the male bear was approximately 18 years old. Clancy said the agency had last seen the animal in 2012 during a research study and that it had not been involved in known nuisance behavior during the years since.
Drought and Food Shortages Increase Bear Conflict Risk
Alate spring freeze and prolonged historic drought have reduced natural food availability below 7,500 feet in the area. Wildlife officials believe the same bear may have entered multiple homes roughly one month earlier. Photos and videos submitted by homeowners were consistent with the bear euthanized Saturday.
CPW stressed that limited natural food makes it even more important for residents, visitors and businesses to prevent bears from accessing human food and garbage.
Colorado Tightens Bear Protection Laws
Durango requires trash and recycling containers to be secured in a way that prevents wildlife from accessing their contents. Violations involving residential trash can result in a $100 fine for a first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses.
Colorado law also prohibits placing food or edible waste in the open under circumstances where there is a reasonable probability of luring a wild bear. Changes that took effect August 12, 2026 strengthened those protections and increased the maximum fine for a third or subsequent offense to $5,000.
CPW is urging people to secure garbage, remove bird feeders when bears are active, keep pet food indoors, clean grills after use and alert neighbors when bear activity is spotted.
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