Bears

Durango City Council shows unanimous support for electric fencing, bear mats

Durango City Council shows unanimous support for electric fencing, bear mats

Proposed rules include $50 fee, safety and placement standards

February 10, 2026 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Bear encounters rise in La Plata County, across Colorado

Bear encounters rise in La Plata County, across Colorado

1,116 sightings reported countywide in 2025, almost double the number recorded in 2024

December 4, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Durango City Council to consider permit process for bear-deterring mats, fencing

Durango City Council to consider permit process for bear-deterring mats, fencing

Devices have ‘a lot of potential’ to reduce human-wildlife conflicts

November 28, 2025 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

Using bear-deterring electric mats and fencing in Durango ‘common sense,’ residents say

Using bear-deterring electric mats and fencing in Durango ‘common sense,’ residents say

Season has been ‘crazy’ and ‘incredible’ for activity involving bears

October 9, 2025 • Christian Burney — Herald Staff Writer

In Durango, bears show up for class

In Durango, bears show up for class

Three school campuses implement security protocols this month

September 16, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

CPW grant money goes toward reduction of human-bear conflict in Southwest Colorado

CPW grant money goes toward reduction of human-bear conflict in Southwest Colorado

La Plata County, Mancos and Silverton will direct funds to trash containers and code enforcement

September 9, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Drought drives surge in bear encounters as trash issues persist

Drought drives surge in bear encounters as trash issues persist

Wildlife advocates say ineffective code enforcement and policy gaps exacerbate problem

August 28, 2025 • Jessica Bowman — Herald Staff Writer

Photos: Hot bear

Photos: Hot bear

A bear in a tree pants in the hot afternoon heat on Aug. 13, as it looks for more shade…

August 19, 2025 • Jerry McBride — Herald Photo Editor

Black bears reported near firefighters’ camps

Black bears reported near firefighters’ camps

CPW helping multiple agencies working to contain Elkhorn Fire

August 5, 2025 • Scout Edmondson — Herald Staff Writer