02/23/2026
Report bear sightings and conflicts to CPW
One concern CPW is aware of from the public is a reluctance to report bear activity over a belief it will lead to the bear being put down. Data shows that of the 5,229 reports wildlife managers received on bears in 2025, only 1.47% led to euthanization. The vast majority led to wildlife officers getting involved early enough to prevent the need to euthanize a bear.
When CPW is made aware, especially when conflicts first begin, wildlife officers can educate the community, make site visits to homes to help them secure attractants and can haze bears in an attempt to reinforce their natural fear of humans. In some circumstances, wildlife officers can attempt to relocate bears out of conflict areas to alleviate safety concerns or before that animal's behavior escalates to a dangerous level which may require euthanization. However, wildlife officers stress relocation is not a fix-all solution as there is no way to unteach a bear once it learns that homes, garages or vehicles might contain food.
Below is the number of reports and bears euthanized and relocated by CPW annually since 2022:
2025: 5,299 reports, 52 relocated, 78 euthanized
2024: 5,022 reports, 68 relocated, 98 euthanized
2023: 3,528 reports, 33 relocated, 63 euthanized
2022: 4,293 reports, 59 relocated, 94 euthanized
