Douglas County residents are sharing their yards with some very large, very hungry visitors. On Thursday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office warned that multiple bear sightings have been reported across the county, including near Castlewood Canyon, Highlands Ranch, and Roxborough. Deputies say bears have been spotted nosing around yards and, in at least one incident, actually getting into a home and causing damage inside.
To get the word out, the sheriff’s office posted a short safety reel on Facebook, urging residents to lock things up and cut down on easy snacks for wildlife. The clip lays out the basics: secure trash cans, keep garage doors closed, and lock lower-level doors and windows to help protect both people and bears. You can watch it via the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Where Sightings Are Popping Up
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, recent reports have come from Larkspur, Castle Pines, and Roxborough Village, in addition to other areas around the county. The department notes that a large portion of Douglas County is rural and already home to bears, so more sightings are expected through October as they forage for food.
Deputies are reminding residents to double-check lower-level doors and windows and to keep a close eye on pets, especially in neighborhoods that border open space.
Why Bears Are Showing Up Now
Wildlife officials say this is prime bear season. Bears leave their dens in the spring and spend the warmer months looking for food, which increases the chance they will wander into neighborhoods that sit next to open space. Odors from trash, bird feeders, pet food, and unattended grills can draw them in from miles away, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The bottom line from state experts is simple: if it smells like food, a bear will probably agree.
How To Cut Down Bear Trouble
The guidance from the sheriff’s office and the state lines up on a few key points. Residents are urged to:
- Keep garbage in bear-resistant containers or store it indoors until the morning of pickup
- Take down bird feeders while bears are active
- Store pet food, birdseed, and grill supplies inside
- Keep garage doors closed, even during the day
- Lock lower-level doors and windows
- Watch pets closely when they are outside
Officials emphasize that these small steps can make the difference between a bear passing through and a bear breaking in.
What To Do If You See A Bear
If you spot a bear, law enforcement and wildlife staff are clear on one thing: do not approach it. Move indoors, bring children and pets inside, and give the animal a clear path to leave the area.
For immediate threats to people or property, call 911. For non-emergency encounters and sightings, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers an online reporting tool that the sheriff’s office links to for follow-up and potential relocation decisions, per Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
For now, Douglas County residents are being asked to treat bears like the seasonal neighbors they are: give them space, lock up the snacks, and let the professionals know when one wanders too close for comfort.
