Colorado Parks and Wildlife

A bear struck by a vehicle in Lone Tree, Colorado, died from internal injuries. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials reported the incident occurred on Yosemite and Heritage Hills Parkway and advised drivers to use honking or car alarms to deter wildlife.

Colorado wolves have formed a new pack, as confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. The development marks a significant step in the wolves' population growth and social structure formation in the region.

A new wolf pack has formed in Colorado, as confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials. The confirmation was made on Wednesday.

A new wolf pack, the Piney Ridge Pack, has formed in Eagle County, Colorado, as confirmed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Four packs, including Piney Ridge, successfully reproduced this year, while the King Mountain Pack did not. A depredation incident involving a wolf attack on a calf in Eagle County is under investigation, but it's unclear if the Piney Ridge Pack was involved.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implemented a voluntary fishing closure on a stretch of the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs after discovering over 300 dead mountain whitefish, attributed to severe drought conditions, high water temperatures (83°F), and low dissolved oxygen. The closure aims to protect the stressed native species by reducing angler pressure.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) implemented a voluntary fishing closure on a stretch of the Yampa River after finding over 300 dead mountain whitefish, attributed to severe drought conditions and high water temperatures (83°F). The closure aims to protect the vulnerable native species by reducing angler pressure, as mountain whitefish populations have declined due to non-native predators and environmental stressors.

Wildfires in Southern Colorado have displaced bears, leading to 20 reported encounters this week around the Aspen Acres burn area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning communities about increased bear presence due to the fire pushing animals out of their habitats.

A bear was spotted relaxing in a backyard kiddie pool near Steamboat Springs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials attribute the rise in bear sightings to a drought.

Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park is temporarily closed due to elevated E.coli levels exceeding CDPHE standards. The closure affects only the designated swim beach, which is routinely tested weekly, and it will remain closed until test results meet permitted levels.

The Martin Lake swim beach at Lathrop State Park is temporarily closed due to E. coli levels exceeding Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards. The closure affects only the designated swim beach, which is the only area routinely tested because it is the sole swimming zone. The park confirmed weekly tests usually show E. coli levels well below permitted thresholds, but this week's results were slightly elevated.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff evacuated thousands of greenback cutthroat trout and Hayden Creek cutthroat trout from the Leadville National Fish Hatchery due to the Willow Fire. The fish were relocated to other hatcheries, with some released for fishing opportunities, as the fire burned over 6,000 acres near Leadville and is now 40% contained.

Three drownings in six weeks at Cherry Creek Reservoir have prompted park officials to urge visitors to wear life jackets. Two of the deaths involved inflatable rafts, and none of the victims were wearing life jackets. Cherry Creek State Park offers a life jacket loaner program to improve safety.

A water rescue is underway at Cherry Creek State Park Swim Beach, with two people reaching shore and one still missing. Multiple agencies, including Arapahoe County sheriff's deputies, South Metro Fire Rescue, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, are responding to the incident.

CPW is closing public access to Adobe Creek and Thurston reservoirs after negotiations for a new lease failed, impacting campers and anglers in Eastern Plains. The closures threaten a key recreational resource for the region.

Six people were detained after gunfire was reported at Cherry Creek State Park's swim beach in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Law enforcement, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, responded to the incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. Sunday. No injuries were reported, and part of the beach was closed during the ongoing investigation.

A bear was shot and killed in a Douglas County neighborhood, prompting residents to report increased bear sightings. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirms that the rise in bear activity is not just a perception.

Low water levels caused by drought conditions are forcing an early closure of motorized boat ramps at Barr Lake State Park, with the ramps closing Friday at 9 p.m. Park rangers cited the risk of trailers getting stuck in mud as water levels near the sandy bottom. Hand-launched vessels like kayaks and paddleboards remain permitted, and fishing activity remains strong despite the low water.

Human remains consumed by a bear were discovered on Grand Mesa in Colorado, prompting an investigation by Mesa County authorities. The cause of death remains undetermined, and officials urge the public to follow bear safety guidelines to prevent conflicts.

The Pueblo Fire Department, in collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, tranquilized and relocated a juvenile bear found wandering in Pueblo on July 9. Authorities urged residents to remain aware of wildlife in the Aspen Acres area.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) warns communities impacted by wildfires to be cautious of displaced wildlife, particularly bears, as fires destroy habitats and force animals into residential areas. A bear spotted in Pueblo was safely relocated with assistance from local authorities.

Human remains found on Grand Mesa were consumed by a bear and scattered by wildlife, prompting an investigation by Mesa County authorities. The cause of death remains undetermined, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife provided guidelines for preventing bear conflicts.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Southeast Region reported that the Rock Creek Fire has been extinguished as of Wednesday afternoon. The fire is now fully contained according to the agency's update.

Rattlesnake bites are increasing in Colorado due to unusually warm weather causing early emergence from hibernation. UCHealth has treated nine people since April, and experts emphasize immediate 911 response, limiting movement, and tracking swelling to manage envenomation effectively.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns that wildfires are displacing wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and bears, into roads, trails, and neighborhoods. The agency urges the public to avoid approaching animals, secure pets, drive cautiously, and follow guidelines to prevent conflicts, particularly with bears.

Closures along the Colorado River have been lifted as the Snyder Fire, which burned over 30,200 acres and is 98% contained, nears full containment. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reopened areas like the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park and Loma Boat Launch, while the Bureau of Land Management lifted some closures but maintained restrictions within the fire perimeter. Three firefighters died in the blaze, and the fire is one of several large wildfires currently burning in Colorado.

Boaters at Lake Pueblo State Park shared the water with firefighting aircraft during the Fourth of July weekend as crews fought the Aspen Acres Fire. Super Scooper planes collected water from the lake to combat the wildfire, with park officials ensuring safety by directing boaters to avoid the main channel used by the aircraft.

A water rescue operation is underway at Cherry Creek State Park in Arapahoe County, Colorado. South Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office have responded to the incident. The situation is still developing and will be updated.

Crews are searching for a missing person at Chatfield State Park. South Metro Fire District and Colorado Parks and Wildlife responded to a water rescue around 5:45 p.m., with no updates as of 8 p.m. No details about the missing individual have been released.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is enforcing 'Boating Under the Influence' (BUI) laws this holiday weekend and warning boaters to stay sober. The agency emphasizes the importance of avoiding intoxication while operating watercraft.

Low water levels at John Martin Reservoir State Park in Hasty, Colorado, have forced the closure of the west boat ramp, while the east ramp remains open. The closure is expected to last the rest of the season, though kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can still launch from the west ramp. Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes maintaining safe recreation access despite the challenge.

Boyd Lake State Park in Colorado is closing its main boat ramp for the 2026 season due to drought-related water level drops of 20-25 feet. The low water has exposed shoreline, hindered boat launches, and impacted local businesses like Cook's Auto Spa & Boat Repair. Colorado Parks and Wildlife attributes the crisis to reduced snowmelt and rainfall, with park manager Lauren Turpin warning other reservoirs may follow suit.

Several Colorado shooting ranges, including those in Basalt, Bayfield, and Summit County, are temporarily closed due to Stage 2 fire restrictions linked to extreme fire danger and ongoing drought. The closures are part of broader recreational and environmental measures, including reduced water availability at campgrounds and boating areas, and canceled Fourth of July fireworks.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has closed several shooting ranges, including Basalt State Wildlife Area and Bayfield Lions Club range, due to Stage 2 fire restrictions caused by drought and extreme fire danger. Summit County also closed its shooting range, while other closures include campgrounds without water and canceled Fourth of July fireworks.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has approved three emergency public fish salvages to mitigate fish loss as reservoirs at three state properties are drawn down. The salvages aim to provide anglers with increased fishing opportunities before water conditions deteriorate.

Two adults were rescued after their boat capsized at John Martin Reservoir on June 26 at around 4 p.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bent County Sheriff's Office deputies, and Hasty-McClave Fire Department responded to the incident.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has implemented voluntary and mandatory fishing closures on the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs due to high water temperatures and low flow threatening fish health. The voluntary closure covers 1.7 miles from Sarvis Creek to Stagecoach Reservoir, while a mandatory closure affects 0.6 miles downstream of Stagecoach State Park. The closures aim to protect mountain whitefish, a vulnerable native species, during a historic drought.

Apex Park in Jefferson County, Colorado, remains closed indefinitely after a woman was attacked and followed by a black bear for over 30 minutes on the Enchanted Forest Trail. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed the incident as an attack due to physical contact, marking the first such case in the state this year. The park closed on June 22, and CPW urges the public to avoid food attractants amid concerns about increased bear conflicts.

A collared gray wolf crossed Interstate 25 in Colorado, traveled through Pueblo County, Otero County, and Las Animas County, then looped back west. Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a map showing the wolf's movements and highlighted dispersing wolves' broad activity east of I-25.

A collared gray wolf crossed I-25 in southern Colorado's Pueblo County, moving briefly east of the interstate before returning west, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reports a significant increase in bear sightings east of Colorado Springs due to a dry winter reducing food sources. Bears are entering populated areas, prompting officials to recommend DIY deterrents like a soda can filled with rocks.