A bear was euthanized by responders after breaking into a home in Mount Crested Butte, Colorado, and starting a fire in the kitchen while two residents hid in a bedroom.
How the Bear Got In
The bear broke through a door and an entryway window pane on the night of August 19 to gain access to the home, then knocked over shelving, furniture, and window coverings in the entryway and living room before moving into the kitchen.
How the Fire Started
Once in the kitchen, the bear tore apart the refrigerator, scattered trash, and broke apart a wooden dish-drying rack, tossing it onto an electric stovetop that was on at the time. The rack caught fire, filling the home with smoke.
The Response
The two residents called 911 from a bedroom as the bear scratched at the door and grew increasingly aggressive. Six Crested Butte firefighters arrived by 1:16 a.m., extinguished the fire, and ventilated the smoke. Responders made the decision to euthanize the bear, citing its aggressive behavior, the active fire, and limited access to the home. The residents were not injured.
The Bigger Picture
Colorado wildlife officials have reported a rise in bear conflicts in mountain towns this year, with hungry bears drawn into cities, kitchens, cars, and even a college campus amid drought conditions.
