A woman while camping in Park Creek in the Rio Grande National Forest and a teenager in Durango were attacked by bears. Both incidents occurred within 72 hours of each other.
Details of the Attack on the Woman in Park Creek
The attack on the woman occurred on Friday at 5:30 AM. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials received reports that a woman was bitten while inside her tent. The woman stated that something hit her tent and then bit her hand. She could not see the animal but said it was large.
Read more: Nile Gold; An Environmental Catastrophe in Sudan
The woman required treatment for injuries from the bear bite, and CPW officials later found evidence at the scene indicating that a black bear had been present. Camping was closed for the season following this incident.
Attack on the Teenager in Durango
A few days later, in Durango, a bear entered a residential building through a slightly open window. The animal tore the window screen, entered the bedroom, ripped the curtains, and woke a 17-year-old teenager who was sleeping. The teenager felt the bear getting close to his head while trying to hide under the blanket.
When the teenager made a noise, the bear angrily attacked him, causing scratches on his stomach. After this, the bear ran to the foot of his bed and, after a moment, exited through the window but then returned to the room.
The teenager's shouting and screaming caused the bear to flee. On Monday morning, this bear also entered another home nearby, and CPW officials are still trying to capture the animal.
The regional manager of CPW in Durango stated, "This bear has exhibited behaviors that pose a threat to human health and safety." He added that residents should keep their doors and windows closed and locked during this tense year between humans and bears.
CPW has reported that so far in 2026, there have been 10 recorded bear attacks, the highest number in history. The national park has also stated that bears have become highly active due to the approaching winter.
Read more: Honey Spots: Luke Jerram's Artistic Installation by the Thames Gives Life to Insects · How the Disappearance of a Small Creature Reveals the Environmental Catastrophe of the Israel-Lebanon War
Source: independent.co.uk
