Colorado woman found dead from apparent bear attack

TRIMBLE, Colo. — A Colorado woman was found dead Friday night from an apparent bear attack, wildlife officials said.

>> Read more trending news

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said the 39-year-old woman from Durango went walking with her two dogs Friday morning and when her boyfriend returned home from work, the dogs were outside but his girlfriend was not.

The boyfriend, who has not been identified, told La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies that he got home around 8:30 p.m., saw the dogs and started searching for his girlfriend. He found her body around 9:30 p.m. and called 911.

Wildlife officials arrived and saw that parts of the woman were chewed on and found evidence of “an abundance of bear scat and hair” in the area. The La Plata County coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine her cause of death.

Officers using dogs searched the area and found a mother bear and two cubs nearby. The bears were euthanized and taken to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Health Lab in Fort Collins for a necropsy. From looking at the mother bear’s teeth, she is believed to be about 10 years old.

Officials warn that bears become active statewide in the spring. There have already been multiple sightings in the Durango area, including April 19 and March 23, wildlife officials said. But the bears typically do not interact with humans.

“Bear attacks are extremely rare,” Cory Chick, the Southwest Region manager for the wildlife agency said in a statement. “This is a tragic event and a sad reminder that bears are wild and potentially dangerous.”

There have previously been three fatal bear attacks in the state, the wildlife agency said. They were in 1971, 1993 and 2009.

A suspected fatal bear attack has occurred near Durango. A 39-year-old woman was found dead Friday night off U.S....

Posted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Saturday, May 1, 2021
On Air107.3 The Eagle - Tampa Bay's Classic Hits Station Logo

See a new furry friend up for adoption each week, brought to you by Fence Outlet!


Win tickets to concerts, unique experiences, great prizes and more!


Get weather news that matters, including forecast and radar from 10 News!


Check out the newest blog, written by all of your favorite Eagle personalities!


Be the first caller to answer Fisher's "College of Rock Knowledge" weekday mornings at 7:50 and WIN! 877-595-1073


Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, especially here in Florida. But it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water.


mobile apps

Everything you love about 1073theeagle.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!