Boulder County, Colo. - At 12:40 p.m. Friday, the Boulder County Communications Center received a report of an unconscious and injured man near Beaver Reservoir, off County Road 96 in unincorporated Boulder County. The caller believed the injuries might have resulted from a bear encounter due to the condition of the man’s camper.

The 57-year-old man was found inside the camper where he lived. The camper’s door had been forcibly damaged, and evidence indicated a bear had entered the structure. The man was transported by medical helicopter to a nearby hospital for advanced medical care.

Although the initial report suggested a possible bear attack, an investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, along with consultation from medical staff treating the man, determined that the man’s injuries were not caused by a bear. Investigators concluded that the man likely suffered a pre-existing medical emergency and was already unconscious before the bear entered the camper. The bear is believed to have been attracted by rotting food inside the camper.

Boulder County has experienced increased bear activity in recent weeks, and officials urge residents and visitors to remain bear aware. Securing food, locking vehicles, and properly storing trash can help reduce wildlife interactions and keep both people and animals safe. Bear safety information is available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife at https://cpw.state.co.us/living-bears.

Agencies assisting in the response included the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response, Indian Peaks Fire Protection District, Northern Colorado Med Evac, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is 26-03474.

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/s/ Sr. Communications Specialist Carrie Haverfield

Patient at Beaver Reservoir with Med Evac