Investigators say a bear or bears that fed on human remains near Grand Mesa in western Colorado are not expected to pose an increased threat to people.
Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded Sunday to a report of human remains at the Wild Rose Picnic Area off Land End Road. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office is working to determine the cause of death and identify the person. Officials have not released further details.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Luke Perkins said the incident is not being treated as a bear attack. The animals likely scavenged an already deceased individual rather than killing the person. Perkins stated there is no threat to public safety and the agency does not plan further action regarding the bears.
Retired federal ecologist Chuck Neal told Cowboy State Daily that bears are opportunistic omnivores. Finding a dead body would represent an easy meal, but a single instance would not make the bear more dangerous to humans. He noted that decayed remains would smell and taste different from a live person.
This is not the first time wildlife has scavenged human remains without turning to live prey. Historical examples include wolves along pioneer trails that dug up shallow graves but did not prey on living humans.
The discovery comes as black bears remain active across Colorado during summer months. Officials routinely remind residents and visitors to secure trash, food and other attractants to avoid conflicts.
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