Severe drought across the US West has wiped out plants, grasses, berries and nuts that make up around 90% of black bears’ diet. As a result, the animals are entering towns and cities in record numbers in search of food.

Incidents have been reported in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, with bears breaking into homes and businesses and wandering near schools.

Colorado has recorded more than 7,000 bear sightings this year, surpassing its previous full-year record from 2019. Around 1.5%–2% of sightings end in euthanasia, typically when bears are deemed dangerous.

In New Mexico, officials and landowners have killed 187 bears, the most since 2011, while the state recorded its first fatal bear attack in 25 years. Utah has euthanized a record 39 bears this year.

In Montana, grizzlies are moving into areas they have not visited in decades.

Bear experts warn that the animals could become accustomed to human food and even stop hibernating if winters grow too warm and wild food becomes too scarce.

Authorities are urging residents to use bear-resistant garbage bins and keep pet food and bird seed out of reach, while conservationists say the animals too often pay with their lives for human negligence.

(Reuters, max)