There have been 10 reported bear attacks on humans this year in Colorado. Photograph: Pete Lomchid/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThere have been 10 reported bear attacks on humans this year in Colorado. Photograph: Pete Lomchid/Getty ImagesSleeping teen and camper wounded as Colorado bear attacks reach record highBears came through bedroom window and swiped tent at campground, causing scratch marks and puncture wound
A black bear burst through a Colorado teenage girl’s window and scratched her, days after a bear also bit a camper in the state, according to wildlife officials.
On Friday, a woman at a campground in south-west Colorado heard a growl and felt something hit her outdoors tent, according to a news release.
She was treated for a puncture wound on her arm – consistent with a black bear bite – authorities said. Wildlife officers found claw marks on her tent and recovered several dark hairs.
“The bite in this incident was more likely an act of surprise than aggression,” said Monte Vista area wildlife manager Rick Basagoitia, adding that the area had “no history of conflict or damage”.
Two days later, a bear opened a cracked window, tore the screen off and entered the bedroom of a sleeping 17-year-old girl. The girl was roused by the animal’s presence and hid under her blankets. The bear’s paw struck her stomach, leaving three scratch marks, according to authorities.
“The woman is very lucky she had multiple blankets covering her when the bear swiped her,” said district wildlife manager Luke Clancy.
There have been 10 reported bear attacks on humans this year in Colorado, a number officials have described as unprecedented.
A statewide drought has squeezed the food supply of black bears, who mostly eat berries, fruits and insects, officials say.
The bears, who seek up to 20,000 calories per day as they prepare to hibernate during the colder months, have sought out new food sources in human residences.
Nationwide, there has also been a rise in bear-human conflicts. In August, a bear broke into a New Mexico man’s home and mauled him to death, marking a rare fatal attack for the state.
Wildlife officials have urged the public to secure their trash and to lock windows, doors, garages and vehicles.
