The drought-driven food scarcity is putting both bears and humans at risk. Bears are entering residential areas, leading to dangerous encounters, including six reported bear attacks in Colorado this year. Wildlife officials have euthanized bears deemed threats, while others have been killed by vehicles or other accidents. Conservationists argue that human negligence, such as unsecured garbage, exacerbates the problem. The situation is also worsening in neighboring states like New Mexico, Utah, and Montana, where bear fatalities and encounters are rising sharply.