Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding people to be alert this fall as black bears enter a state called hyperphagia in preparation for hibernation.

Wildlife officials in Durango tranquilized a bear they called “an absolute monster” on Thursday after it repeatedly returned to a backyard patio to scavenge for trash and eat fruit trees.

It took four officers and a winch to pull the bear, which weighed an estimated 204 kg, out and rescue it outside of town.

During the hyperphagia phase, bears can consume up to 20,000 calories per day, or the equivalent of 20 chicken sandwiches, 10 large portions of French fries, 10 soft drinks and 10 milkshakes, according to CPW.

More than half of the bear incidents reported in the state in 2023 occurred between August and October, and this season Coloradans are already seeing bear activity in urban areas.

Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife

CPW said it is critical that people remain vigilant and proactively prevent conflicts and encounters with black bears this fall by locking away trash and pet food and keeping outdoor grills clean.

“Preventing bears from relying on human food sources requires a community effort, and it is important that we all take proactive steps to limit human food sources to avoid potential conflict with bears and bear-proof our homes,” said Brad Banulis, CPW Northwest Region senior wildlife biologist, in a news release.

For more bear prevention tips, see CPW’s Fat Bear Fall tips.