COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminded the community to keep their vehicles locked after a bear died inside a car in Colorado Springs.
Monday night, Parks and Wildlife said a 250-pound black bear had entered an unlocked car and destroyed the vehicle, then died in the vehicle.
CPW said the bear was not found for days in the heat in central Colorado Springs.
Wildlife officers are urging community members to lock their vehicles, keep their windows closed and refrain from leaving trash or food inside their vehicle.
According to Parks and Wildlife, more conflicts between people and bears can be traced to attractants including human food, pet food and garbage.
This comes as wildlife officials say this year is on pace to have the highest number of bear conflicts and sightings, with 6,129 reports between January 1 and August 13 statewide.
A new law also went into effect, which cracks down on community members feeding bears.
House Bill 26-13-42, which was signed into law in May, lowers the burden of proof from “intentionally” to “knowingly” luring bears with misplaced or mismanaged food or trash.
Under the new law, first-time offenders would receive a warning, and officers can choose whether to issue a warning or violation depending on the person’s intentions during circumstances likely to lure a bear. For three or more offenses, the fine increases to up to $5,000.
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