The graphs above show
Non-hunter bear mortality (
bears killed outside of hunting) in our area, Area 15 of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The DOW records bear information in DAU's (Data Analysis Units) for tracking hunting and non-hunting mortality. It's a little difficult to say what comprises "our area" as La Plata County is made up of two different DAU's. So all numbers reflect Area 15, although most incidents occurred in the greater Durango area.
Non-hunter bear mortality includes: bears killed by wildlife officials as nuisance or conflict bears, shot by landowner, hit by vehicle, electrocuted, and any found mortality.
The results of bad natural bear food seasons are easily identified. The drought seasons of 2001 and 2002 and the massive food failure resulting from late frosts in 2007. (Data courtesy: Colorado Division of Wildlife).
