Black bear family relocated after hiding under Colorado Springs home

A family of black bears caused a stir in Colorado Springs after being found under a home in the Northgate neighbourhood. The mother bear and her two cubs were safely relocated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to protect bears that wander into residential areas. The bears were discovered earlier this week beneath a house. CPW officers quickly responded, immobilising the animals before moving them to a more suitable habitat several hours south. The family was released back into the wild after being given a drug to wake them.

Last summer, five orphaned cubs were also rescued after being found severely underweight and too comfortable near developed areas. These cubs spent the winter in artificial dens at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. They were released earlier this month, once strong enough to survive on their own.

Black bear cubs normally stay with their mother through their first winter, learning to fend for themselves by their second spring. Cubs separated from their mothers face dangers like vehicle collisions or predators. With around 20,000 black bears in Colorado, CPW reminds residents to report any bears seen in residential areas that may need relocation. The relocated bears now have a better chance of survival in their new habitat. CPW continues to monitor and assist bears that stray too close to human settlements. Residents are urged to stay alert and contact wildlife officials if they encounter bears in unsafe locations.