BEAR FACTS OF LIVING IN COLORADO

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has received 5,259 bear reports since the start of the year - a six-year high.

"Food availability is a major driver of bears slowing their activity during the winter months," officials said Tuesday. "If food remains available due to people not securing their trash, bird seed, pet food, etc., bears will remain active year-round." 

Colorado is home to an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 bears.

[Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife]