Black Bear Rescued from Colorado Springs Storm Drain in Daring Daylight Escape
A black bear gave Colorado Springs residents quite the surprise Thursday when it was found trapped in a storm drain. Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Southeast Region (CPW SE) responded to the unusual situation and teamed up with the city’s Public Works department to open the heavy storm drain cover.
Once freed, the bear popped its head out, climbed up to the street, and made a swift escape—right up a nearby tree. Wildlife officials say this behavior is normal for bears, which often stay in trees until nightfall when they feel it’s safe to move on.
The lighthearted moment quickly went viral after the City of Colorado Springs shared the incident on social media, calling it a “bearilliant rescue.” CPW reminds residents that while these kinds of encounters are rare, they do happen—and authorities are trained and ready to step in when needed.











