The bear that attacked a hiker near Aspen on Memorial Day was killed last week by wildlife officers.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the animal tested negative for rabies, and its stomach was almost entirely full of bird seed.
CPW says the bear likely lost its natural fear of people by eating from backyard bird feeders. Bear- human interaction is very risky for both parties.
Mike Porras, CPW's public information officer for the northwest region, says, during the spring and summer, the agency gets calls almost nightly about bear activity in Aspen.
People can protect themselves and the bears, says Porras.
"Secure your food sources. Take in your trash; take it out only on the day it’s going to be picked up. And absolutely never, ever feed a bear," he said.
If you care about bears, Porras says, take down bird feeders until the winter.
