North American bear conflicts and safety response

The 2026 conflict wave remains intense, led by Colorado’s 8,672 incidents and 294 euthanizations and Utah’s 168 incidents and 70 euthanizations; scarce natural food and unsecured attractants remain important context. A teen was bitten by a pursuing bear at an Aspen resort, while the attacker’s identity in the Oct. 25 Index case remains unresolved.