Family Finds a “Giant” Bear Under Their Deck in Colorado

Family Finds a “Giant” Bear Under Their Deck in Colorado

While relaxing on their back deck, a Colorado family was startled by “loud huffing and moaning” sounds coming from beneath them. Fearing the presence of a bear or another injured animal, they contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for assistance.

Upon arrival, CPW officers discovered a massive bear hiding under the deck of the Pagosa Springs home. This particular bear was well-known in the area for frequently seeking out non-natural food sources.

Recognizing the bear, CPW Officers Cody Rarick and Nate Martinez decided to use a tranquilizer dart to sedate and relocate it. A photograph captured one of the officers crouching under the deck to administer the dart. Although the sedation was successful, removing the 400-pound bear from under the deck and into the bear trap proved challenging, requiring help from several bystanders.

After a grueling effort, the team managed to transport the bear to a suitable habitat far from human residences. A video shows District Wildlife Manager Nate Martinez releasing the bear, which quickly ran off into the wilderness.

CPW officials emphasized the importance of securing trash, removing bird feeders, and eliminating other attractants to keep bears away from residential areas and prevent future relocations. They noted that while some relocated bears do attempt to return to their original areas, CPW tries to prevent this by relocating them across multiple drainages.

For more updates and information, follow Colorado Parks and Wildlife on their social media platforms.