The proximity of Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) places visitors firmly within active bear territory. Understanding the local wildlife is paramount for personal safety and the well-being of the animals. Bears are regularly present in and around the town, making adherence to safety protocols necessary for all residents and tourists. Managing food and human attractants is the most effective way to prevent negative interactions and ensure bears remain wild.
Species Identification and Local Territory
The only bear species present in the Estes Park area and throughout Colorado is the American Black Bear, Ursus americanus. Colorado has no resident populations of Grizzly Bears, which have been extirpated from the region. Despite their name, Black Bears are not always black; their coats can range from cinnamon brown to blonde. Size and physical characteristics are the most reliable identifiers.
Black Bears are omnivorous; plant matter, such as roots, berries, and nuts, makes up approximately 90% of their natural diet. They are most active during the morning and evening twilight hours, coinciding with common human activity like hiking and camping. Increasing sightings suggest a shift in range, with bears frequently foraging in lower-elevation areas and around the Estes Park township where human food sources are more accessible.
Visitor Protocols for Prevention
Proactive prevention involves managing anything with a scent that a bear might associate with food, given their keen sense of smell. For campers, all food, cooking equipment, and garbage must be secured in a bear-resistant container, such as the metal lockers provided at most RMNP campgrounds. If a bear box is unavailable, all scented items must be stored inside a locked vehicle, placed out of sight, with windows rolled up.
Scented items include toiletries, such as toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and lip balm, which must be stored with food. In the backcountry, all food and garbage must be secured inside a hard-sided, commercially-made bear-resistant food storage canister. This is a requirement in RMNP from April 1 to October 31 below the treeline. When preparing meals, campers should cook at least 100 yards away from their sleeping area to prevent food odors from lingering near the tent.
Hikers reduce the chance of a surprise encounter by making consistent noise on the trail, especially when moving through dense vegetation, near streams, or around blind corners. Talking, clapping, or calling out alerts bears to human presence, allowing them to move away. Never leave a backpack or food unattended on the trail, as a bear can quickly investigate and claim the resource.
How to React During an Encounter
If you unexpectedly encounter a Black Bear, stop immediately and remain calm, suppressing the instinct to run, which can trigger a chase response. Identify yourself as a human by speaking in a low, calm voice and slowly wave your arms above your head to appear larger. A bear standing on its hind legs is typically curious, attempting to get a better look or smell, and is not an aggressive posture.
If the bear approaches, stand your ground and continue to make noise. Never throw anything at the bear, as this may provoke it. Black Bears often execute a “bluff charge,” running toward an individual before veering away, which is a defensive display meant to intimidate. During a bluff charge, maintain your position and continue to look large, allowing the bear a clear escape route.
If the bear makes physical contact and begins to attack, fight back vigorously using any means available, focusing strikes on the bear’s face and nose. This differs from the protocol for a Grizzly Bear. The goal is to convince the Black Bear that you are not easy prey.