Outdated kill first ideology present in the response

The reality is, bears don’t want to attack people and don’t usually do it twice.  

This bear did not injure the man.  This was definitely not a bear attack.  And the attractants are the problem.  Not the bear.  So sorry that Colorado has such a backwards old outdated perspective.  
What did happen to the bear who tapped the man’s leg?  I hope you didn’t track them down and kill them.  

On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 1:23 PM Haeflinger - DNR, Denna <denna.haeflinger@state.co.us> wrote:

Hello, 

Thank you. If you could share this information with other Colorado residents, it would be beneficial. 

Regarding your point about bear attacks. Once an animal attacks a human being, that animal is now a threat to every human being. Saving a human life is what we do for each other. 

Yes, we live in their home, and yes, people can be careless. With education and social encouragement, people can coexist with wildlife. The information you provided is knowledge that should be posted for all in Colorado and visitors to see. 

Denna Haeflinger 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Communications Center

License, Reservations & Customer Operations Section

Main: (303) 297-1192 • denna.haeflinger@state.co.us 

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 

 

cpw.state.co.us

    

 

 

On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:03 AM cpwinfo - DNR, DNR_Wildlife <DNR_wildlife.cpwinfo@state.co.us> wrote:

 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Nicole Corrado <nicolecorradoart@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: Don't kill the bears
To: <DNR_wildlife.cpwinfo@state.co.us>

 

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-unnecessary-killing-of-bears-in-steamboat-springs

On Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 12:12 PM Nicole Corrado <nicolecorradoart@gmail.com> wrote:

 

Please don't kill the bear! They only swatted the person! They were barely scratched! The dog scared them!

Good Afternoon, Friends,

Recent news from Steamboat Springs is an important reminder that living alongside Colorado’s wildlife means knowing how to safely share our communities and outdoor spaces with the animals that call them home.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers recently responded to a bear attack involving a person and a dog in Steamboat Springs. Incidents like this are a sobering reminder that even an ordinary walk with our dogs can become dangerous when we encounter a bear.

One of the most important things we can do is keep our dogs leashed. A dog that runs toward, barks at, chases or corners a bear may be perceived as a threat, causing the bear to defend itself. And if a dog gets into a fight with a bear, attempting to intervene can put the person at serious risk as well.

BearWise offers several important tips for walking dogs in bear country:

🐶🐻Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash at all times.
🐶🐻Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
🐶🐻Stay alert and avoid distractions like headphones or your phone.
🐶🐻Avoid walking at dawn, dusk or at night in areas with known bear activity.
🐶🐻If you see a bear, turn around and leave the area.
🐶🐻Never allow your dog to bark at, harass, chase or corner a bear.
🐶🐻If your dog gets into a fight with a bear, do not try to rescue your dog. Use bear spray from a safe distance instead.

There are steps we can take at home, too. Feed pets indoors whenever possible, remove food bowls promptly if pets are fed outside, and if you see a bear in your yard, bring your dog inside and do not allow it to bark at or harass the bear.

Black bears generally want to avoid confrontation. Giving them space, keeping our dogs under control and being aware of our surroundings can help keep people, pets and bears safe.

For more information, BearWise has a helpful guide specifically for dog owners: Dogs and Bears: BearWise Safety Tips

Please take a few minutes to read through these tips and share them with other Coloradans who spend time outdoors with their dogs. A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing a dangerous encounter—and helping keep Colorado’s bears wild.
And ask police to stop shooting mother bears!https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/black-bear-charging-deputy-colorado-body-camera-video/?intcid=CNR-02-0623
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