Black Bear in Colorado Dies After Being Trapped in Vehicle

A black bear weighing approximately 300 pounds was found dead in Colorado Springs after being trapped inside a vehicle for days. The Denver Gazette reported this unfortunate incident, highlighting the bear’s struggle to escape the vehicle, which led to the car’s interior being significantly damaged.

Officer Travis Sauder from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) explained that bears are capable of opening unlocked car doors while searching for food. However, once inside, they may find it difficult to exit if the door closes behind them. “Typically what happens is they pull the door open, get in, get their food and then they leave,” Sauder said. Unfortunately, the door sometimes closes behind them, and they are unable to figure out how to get out.

This incident is part of a year marked by an unusually high number of bear sightings and conflicts in Colorado. CPW recorded 6,129 reports of bear sightings and conflicts from January 1 to August 13, nearly doubling the 3,115 reports during the same period last year. The number has already exceeded the total of 5,299 reports for the entirety of 2025.

The increase in bear encounters is linked to poor natural food conditions. Low snowpack and late freezes have reduced the availability of food sources that bears typically rely on. As a result, bears are traveling farther and taking greater risks to find food, according to Sauder. This situation is exacerbated by hyperphagia, a period when bears consume large amounts of food and water to build fat reserves before winter.

A black bear became trapped inside a vehicle in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

CPW advises residents in bear habitats to remove potential food sources and other attractants near homes, campsites, and vehicles. Objects like food, trash, and scented items can lure bears seeking an easy meal. Keeping vehicles clean and free of anything that might attract bears, such as pet food, children’s snacks, or flavored bubble gum, is recommended.

CPW also warns against feeding bears on purpose. Bears that become used to food provided by humans can lose their natural fear of people, heightening the risk of bear-human conflicts. Reports suggest this year is set to have the highest number of recorded bear-human interactions since CPW began digital tracking in 2019.

A vehicle’s interior was heavily damaged after a black bear became trapped inside in Colorado Springs. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital breaking news writer and former Independent reporter, holds a degree from Syracuse University.