Colorado Bears Target Residential Halloween Treats

Increased bear activity forces residents to secure seasonal decor as attacks hit a record high.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector illustration of a bear silhouette near a large orange orb in a forest, representing autumn bear activity. — Rising bear activity in Colorado has prompted state wildlife officials to urge residents to secure pumpkins and other seasonal attractants immediately. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is now a good time to adjust your holiday traditions to avoid attracting local wildlife?

Bears in Colorado are venturing into populated areas in search of high-calorie food sources like pumpkins and candy. The animals are currently in hyperphagia, a period of intensive eating before their winter hibernation.

Why it matters

Drought and recent wildfires have decimated the natural food supply, forcing bears into residential neighborhoods to meet their extreme caloric needs. This shift in behavior has significantly increased the risk of human-bear encounters across the state.

Bears require 20,000 calories daily to prepare for hibernation, driving them to forage in areas near homes. There have been 11 reported bear attacks in Colorado as of mid-October, compared to the state's historical average of three.

The details

Driven by the need to pack on fat, bears are utilizing their sense of smell to locate food from miles away and possess the physical capability to open screen doors, coolers, and windows. Residents are warned that pumpkins and candy left outdoors are attracting these animals into living spaces.

Fall 2026: Bears engage in intensive feeding to prepare for hibernation.
Mid-October 2026: Colorado recorded 11 bear attacks.
Halloween 2026: Bears may target outdoor candy and pumpkins.

Culture Shift

The rise in human-bear conflict highlights a societal shift where urban expansion and environmental stress force wildlife into closer proximity to human daily routines. This interaction challenges the traditional boundaries between residential spaces and wild habitats, necessitating new approaches to community safety.

Residents should secure all pumpkins and candy indoors to avoid attracting bears to their homes and porches. Being mindful of window and screen door security is essential during this peak period of animal foraging.

The takeaway

Bears are highly motivated by the need for 20,000 calories per day and will readily exploit accessible residential food sources. Keeping holiday treats inside is the most effective way to prevent dangerous interactions this season.