Residents of unincorporated Arapahoe County were startled this weekend when a bear was seen wandering through backyards near the 5800 block of South Genoa Court. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the sighting and released images of the bear on social media, warning the public to remain alert and avoid any interaction with the wild animal.
The bear was reportedly spotted rummaging through residential areas, a behavior that often spikes during warmer months when bears search for food. Wildlife officials believe the animal may have been drawn to the neighborhood by unsecured trash, pet food, or bird feeders left outside.
Sheriff’s Office Urges Residents to Be Alert
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office took to its official channels to inform residents about the bear sighting. “Please be aware that a bear was seen wandering in the neighborhood,” the statement read. “We urge everyone to remove potential food sources from their yards and stay indoors if you spot the bear.”
In recent years, bear sightings in suburban and urban areas have increased across Colorado, particularly as residential developments continue to expand into former wildlife habitats. With more human activity intersecting natural bear territory, incidents like this are becoming more common.
Safety Guidelines for the Community
Officials are urging residents to take extra precautions to prevent further bear encounters. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) department recommends the following safety measures for those living in bear-prone areas:
- Remove Attractants: Avoid leaving pet food, trash, birdseed, and compost outside. Bears have a strong sense of smell and will be attracted to even small food sources.
- Secure Trash Bins: Store garbage in bear-proof containers or keep it indoors until the morning of collection.
- Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Unlocked doors or open windows could provide easy access to food or shelter for curious bears.
- Clean Barbecue Grills: After use, clean grills thoroughly and store them in a secured location.
For full guidelines and advice, residents are encouraged to visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service.
Recent Bear Sightings Across Colorado
This is not an isolated incident. Over the recent Memorial Day weekend, several bear sightings were reported across Colorado. In Castle Rock, a bear was seen near a shopping plaza. In Steamboat Springs, a bear approached a family’s patio looking for food scraps. Wildlife officials say these encounters are part of a seasonal pattern that tends to occur as bears come out of hibernation and seek calorie-dense foods to regain weight.
In Rocky Mountain National Park, park rangers have already issued warnings for hikers and campers to use bear-resistant containers and follow Leave No Trace principles.
What To Do If You Encounter a Bear
Though bear sightings are uncommon in dense neighborhoods, it’s essential to know how to react if you come face to face with one. CPW outlines a few key tips:
- Remain Calm: Do not run. Bears can run up to 35 mph and may chase if they perceive fleeing as prey behavior.
- Make Yourself Big: Stand tall, raise your arms, and make loud noises to appear larger and more threatening.
- Back Away Slowly: Never approach a bear. Slowly and calmly move away without turning your back.
- Report the Sighting: Contact local authorities or Colorado Parks and Wildlife to report the bear and its location.
“Bears are naturally curious, not aggressive,” CPW officials say. “However, a bear that becomes too comfortable around humans can become dangerous and may need to be relocated or, in some cases, euthanized. Preventing that starts with our actions.”
Community Response and Concerns
Many residents expressed surprise and concern about the sighting, particularly because the bear appeared in broad daylight. “I looked out my kitchen window and saw it walking right past our fence,” said one local homeowner. “It was surreal and a little scary. I’ve never seen a bear this close to home.”
Local animal control and wildlife officers have increased patrols in the area and will continue monitoring the situation. They’re asking residents to report any new sightings and follow safety instructions to help prevent escalation.