Bear Breaks Into Elderly Woman's Colorado Home and Scratches Her

A black bear broke into an 82-year-old woman's Colorado home and scratched her before leaving.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has been searching for the small cinnamon-colored bear since the break in on Friday, August 11.

According to Fox 21 News, the victim was awakened shortly after midnight when she heard a crashing sound and her dog growling. She opened the double doors to her mudroom to investigate, and that's when a small bear estimated to weigh less than 100 pounds leaped at her. The woman managed to push the bear off and closed the doors to the room.

CPW says the bear scrambled around the room before climbing a shelf and exiting the house by tearing through an open window screen. Officers say the bear is likely a cub or yearling based on descriptions.

The victim declined medical attention for her scratches. A CPW officer set a trap for the bear in case it returned.

“Human health and safety always remain our top priority in any incident like this, regardless of how minor the injuries are,” said Mike Brown, CPW’s area wildlife manager for the region.

CPW policy states that any bear that causes injury to a human is classified as dangerous and, if captured, must be humanely euthanized.

“CPW officers are doing everything we can to locate this bear. Luckily, the victim’s injuries consist of very minor scratches,” stated Brown.

This is the second bear attack in the Trinidad area in two weeks and the fourth reported bear attack in Colorado in 2023.