CPW officials relocate Niwot bear kept awake by availability of food

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers relocated a sleepless Niwot bear on Wednesday to a cozier location away from the temptations of human food.

CPW officers decided to relocate the Niwot bear away from food sources to increase its chances of entering torpor, or hibernation.

According to CPW’s X account, bears may not enter torpor, a state of reduced physical activity, if the weather is too warm or if there are too many food sources nearby.

Officers waited for the bear to climb down from a tree and then tranquilized it. Once the bear was on the ground, officers placed a cover over its eyes to safely transport the bear without scaring it.

The bear was released in a better habitat away from food sources to promote torpor. Officers also fired off a paintball gun at the site to reinforce the bear’s natural fear of humans to keep the bear in its new home.

CPW emphasized the importance of keeping trash secure year-round in case a particularly active bear visits. The presence of food could also keep bears from getting much-needed rest.