Colorado: CPW Offers $1 Million in Grants to Reduce Human-Bear Conflicts in Local Communities

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DENVER ~ Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced the opening of a new round of grant funding aimed at reducing human-bear conflicts in local communities. The Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program is now accepting applications until May 29, 2026.

Governor Polis emphasized the importance of coexisting with wildlife in Colorado, stating that these grants will help prevent dangerous conflicts between bears and humans. He also highlighted the role these investments play in keeping both people and wildlife safe while preserving the state's high quality of life.

This year, CPW is offering $1 million in grant funding for projects that aim to reduce conflicts with bears in local communities. The program seeks to find solutions that can be replicated throughout the state and support efforts in all Colorado communities. The funding will be distributed through a competitive grant process this spring.

A wide range of entities are eligible to receive funding, including local governments, NGOs, HOAs, community groups, businesses, tribes, universities, and individuals. Grants between $50,000 and $500,000 can be applied for.

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Travis Long, CPW Grant Manager, stressed the importance of a collective effort in reducing human-bear conflict and described the grant program as a catalyst for this work. He noted that communities are using these funds to implement practical and effective projects that make significant strides in public safety and wildlife conservation.

The Human-Bear Conflict Reduction Community Grant Program aims to reduce conflicts between local communities and black bears. Projects that align with this goal include reducing attractants for bears or discouraging them from entering areas with high conflict rates. Additionally, projects must have support from the local community or detailed plans to gain support. They should also be cost-effective investments with long-term potential or utilize proven techniques for preventing conflict.

Applications for the grant can be found on CPW's website and must be submitted by May 29th at 5 p.m. For any questions or assistance with the application process, interested parties can contact CPW Grant Manager Travis Long. The successful grant recipients will be announced later this year.

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In 2025, CPW received over 32,212 reports of bear sightings and conflicts. Of the 5,299 reports received that year, 2,448 resulted in property damage. Over half of these incidents were linked to trash cans and dumpsters as attractants, which is an area of focus for CPW when awarding grants. Other common sources of conflict include birdfeeders, livestock, and unsecured human-originated items.

Human-bear conflicts not only lead to property damage but also require significant time and resources from CPW and local government personnel to address them. By expanding existing conflict reduction efforts or developing new approaches, the impact on bear populations and community resources can be reduced while improving public safety.

Bears that have access to garbage can become conditioned to consuming it, leading them to return and potentially enter homes or vehicles in search of more food. This behavior can result in property damage and even aggression towards humans, putting both parties at risk. Additionally, consuming garbage can negatively impact a bear's health.

To learn more about CPW's other grant programs, visit their website at cpw.state.co.us/grant-programs.

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