A quiet Saturday in Wheat Ridge turned tense when a black bear wandered into a yard near West 32nd Avenue and Wright Street, triggering a fast response from local law enforcement. Officers with the Wheat Ridge Police Department’s patrol team, along with community services officers, followed the bear as it moved north through backyards and into the nearby greenbelt. No injuries were reported, but neighbors were urged to keep kids and pets inside while wildlife officials evaluated the situation.
According to a post from the Wheat Ridge Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area after a resident reported the bear in their yard, and the department "asked the public to be on the lookout and stay vigilant." Colorado Parks and Wildlife was notified and stood by to assist if needed.
How to stay safe after a sighting
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds residents that a curious bear is not an invitation to step outside for a closer look. Officials advise people to never approach bears, to keep children and pets indoors, and to remove easy food sources such as unsecured garbage, bird feeders, and pet food. They also recommend bringing garbage cans out only on the morning of pickup, securing compost bins, and storing grills and coolers where bears cannot reach them. Reporting sightings promptly gives wildlife officers the best chance to respond before a bear starts associating neighborhoods with food.
Why bears wander into neighborhoods
State figures show bear encounters with people are on the rise, with a Hoodline review of Colorado Parks and Wildlife data finding a 14.8% increase in reported incidents in 2024. Much of that jump is tied to bears discovering easy meals in trash, bird feeders, and livestock areas, which can lure them deeper into residential blocks. Wildlife managers continue to urge residents to remove those attractants and report sightings early to protect both communities and the bears themselves.
Report sightings and who to call
If a bear poses an immediate threat, residents should call 911. For non-emergencies, sightings in Wheat Ridge can be reported to the Wheat Ridge Police Department. Colorado Parks and Wildlife also provides resources and a reporting contact for nuisance wildlife. Quick, accurate reports help keep neighbors informed and give wildlife officers the best chance to handle situations safely and humanely.
