Bear Attacks Security Guard Inside Colorado Hotel Kitchen
Aspen Colorado October 25 2023
For years, security officers have had to defend themselves from burglars but a Colorado security officer’s recent attack at a hotel was something quite unexpected.
Authorities said that a bear was able to make his way inside the kitchen of a Colorado hotel Monday night and attacked a security officer the Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.
CPW officials said the on-duty guard was investigating reports of a bear inside the kitchen at the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen when the attack unfolded.
“While in the kitchen, the security guard surprised the bear as he was going around a corner into another area of the kitchen,” the agency said in a news release on Tuesday. “The bear attacked the security officer, swiping at him and knocking him down to the ground.”
The victim managed to get away from the bear and dial 911, per officials.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he received care for scratches to his back. He was released early Tuesday morning.
The department said wildlife officers arrived on scene just after midnight local time Tuesday to investigate and search for the bear. According to their investigation, officers learned “the bear had entered the hotel through a series of doors near the courtyard.”
“Wildlife officers were also able to get a description of the bear, including specific identification markers to assist in locating and properly identifying the bear,” officials wrote. “CPW wildlife officers remained in the area to search for the bear responsible for the attack.”
Officers were able to find the bear as of early Tuesday morning. However, they were unable to capture and safely tranquilize the bear due to public safety. Officials said they were going to continue their search Tuesday evening.
It was unclear as of Wednesday morning if the bear had been captured.
The incident, according to the agency, “serves as an unfortunate reminder that bears are still active as they prepare for hibernation.”
“It is common for people to see bears and other wildlife inside Aspen town limits,” the CPW warned. “It is everyone’s responsibility to give wildlife space and remember the importance of being ‘bear aware’ at all times.”
