On July 16, a homeowner near Steamboat Springs filmed a black bear deciding that a backyard kiddie pool was the perfect place to ride out the summer heat. The now widely shared video shows the bear stretched out in the shallow plastic tub, clearly in no rush to leave, even with nearby houses close at hand. Neighbors say the clip has quickly turned into a talking point about how to keep wildlife wild as temperatures climb.
Home Video Captures Laid-Back Pool Guest
The home surveillance footage, published by FOX31 Denver, shows a single black bear settled into a small inflatable pool in a yard near Steamboat Springs. According to FOX31 Denver, the bear never appears aggressive in the clip. The scene may look cute, but it is also a clear reminder that even simple water features and minor food sources can pull sizable wildlife right up to people’s back doors.
Bear Sightings On The Rise Around Routt County
Local wildlife educators say visits like this are part of a broader summer spike in bear activity around Routt County. As reported by Steamboat Pilot & Today, Colorado Parks and Wildlife logged more than 5,000 bear sightings and conflict reports across the state in 2025. Residents and officials point to unsecured trash, bird feeders, and pet food as the main culprits drawing bears into neighborhoods.
Simple Steps To Keep Bears Out Of The Yard
Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that “Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to human food, garbage, pet food or other attractants,” and provides detailed bear-proofing guidance for homeowners. Officials recommend securing trash, taking down bird feeders during bear season, storing grills and pet food indoors, and checking vehicles before driving.
The City of Steamboat Springs also offers local advice and a sightings map that allows residents to report problem animals.
Video moments like the kiddie pool cameo tend to stick in people’s minds, yet wildlife managers emphasize that they highlight a serious public safety and conservation problem. Bears that get comfortable around people are more likely to damage property and may ultimately have to be removed. If a bear behaves aggressively or keeps returning to neighborhoods, residents are urged to report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and to Steamboat Springs officials so managers can step in.
