Grand Lake, Colorado, is a stunning mountain town on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its pristine alpine lake, abundant wildlife, and year-round outdoor adventures, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. But if you’re planning a visit, you might be wondering: Are there grizzly bears in Grand Lake?

The short answer? No, grizzly bears do not roam Grand Lake or anywhere else in Colorado. But there’s more to the story.

What Happened to Colorado’s Grizzly Bears?

Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) once roamed across much of Colorado, including the Rocky Mountains. However, due to habitat loss and aggressive hunting in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the species was declared extinct in Colorado by 1953.

That said, one final confirmed grizzly bear sighting in Colorado shocked wildlife experts. In 1979, a hunting guide encountered and killed a female grizzly in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado. This unexpected encounter raised questions about whether a small, unknown population still existed. However, no verified sightings have occurred since, and it’s widely accepted that grizzlies are no longer present in the state.

What Bears Can You See in Grand Lake?

While grizzlies are no longer in Colorado, black bears (Ursus americanus) are thriving. These bears can be found in and around Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the surrounding wilderness. Despite their name, black bears in Colorado can range in color from blonde to cinnamon to dark brown.

Black Bear Safety in Grand Lake

Black bears generally avoid humans but can become a nuisance if they associate people with food. If you’re visiting Grand Lake, here are some bear safety tips:

• Store food properly – Use bear-proof containers when camping.

• Lock up trash – Grand Lake businesses and residents use bear-resistant trash bins.

• Never feed wildlife – A fed bear is a dead bear; human food leads to problem behavior.

• Make noise when hiking – Let bears know you’re coming to avoid surprise encounters.

Could Grizzlies Ever Return to Colorado?

There is ongoing debate among conservationists about reintroducing grizzly bears to Colorado. Some argue that the state has sufficient wilderness to support them, while others cite potential risks to livestock, recreation, and local communities. For now, no official plans exist to bring grizzlies back to Colorado.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Grand Lake, you don’t need to worry about grizzly bears—because they don’t exist in Colorado anymore. However, black bears are common, and respecting their space is crucial for both human and wildlife safety. So, while hiking or enjoying the outdoors in Grand Lake, stay bear-aware, but rest assured that the only bears you’ll encounter are the smaller and less aggressive black bears.