Wildlife officials in Durango are urging residents to stay alert after three black bear cubs were rescued this week in a series of unusual encounters near downtown. The cubs, believed to be siblings, were spotted rummaging through trash bins and wandering into the outdoor patio of a local restaurant, prompting concern from patrons and staff.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the cubs appeared malnourished and disoriented, likely separated from their mother due to recent wildfires that have disrupted bear habitats in the San Juan National Forest. One cub was tranquilized and safely relocated after climbing onto a restaurant table in search of food, while the other two were captured nearby using humane traps baited with fruit.

“This is a textbook example of what happens when bears become habituated to human food sources,” said CPW spokesperson Lisa Martinez. “They lose their natural fear of people, which puts both the bears and the public at risk.”

The cubs are currently being monitored at a wildlife rehabilitation center outside Durango, where officials will assess their health and determine whether they can be released back into the wild later this fall.

Bear Safety Tips for Colorado Residents

With bear activity on the rise across the state, CPW offers the following guidelines to reduce human-bear conflicts:

– Secure trash in bear-proof containers and avoid leaving food outdoors.
– Remove attractants like bird feeders, pet food, and ripe fruit from yards.
– Keep grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
– Never approach or feed bears, even cubs—they are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
– Report sightings to local wildlife authorities to ensure proper response.

As Colorado’s bear population continues to adapt to changing environmental conditions, officials stress the importance of community awareness and responsible behavior. “We all play a role in keeping wildlife wild,” Martinez added.

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