Keith Lusher 09.22.26
A black bear looking for food apparently got more than it bargained for last week. The bear climbed into a trash container in Castle Rock, Colorado, and accidentally ended up inside a garbage truck
The unusual encounter happened near a transportation facility where school buses are kept. Colorado Springs resident Scott Gillespie was nearby when he noticed the bear emerging from the top of the truck.
“I actually saw the paws of the bear and the head sticking out from the inside of the truck looking around,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie quickly pulled out his phone and began recording.
Castle Rock resident Evan Elmore said the bear had apparently climbed into a trash container before a Waste Management truck arrived to empty it. The bear was then dumped into the back of the truck along with the garbage.
Gillespie believes the animal was already inside the truck when it arrived at the transportation lot.
A black bear stands on top of a garbage truck in Castle Rock Colorado after apparently being dumped into the truck with a load of trash. (Evan Elmore)
“I’m pretty sure the bear was already in there when the trash truck pulled up,” he said. “So I’m thinking they probably picked up a dumpster and dumped him in the back of the truck and he climbed out right in front of me.”
The bear eventually made its way down the side of the truck as workers attempted to scare it away from the area. It then ran through the parking lot and passed several people standing near their vehicles.
Nearby was a nutrition services building that Gillespie described as containing a large amount of food. Fortunately the bear continued running rather than entering the building.
The encounter comes during a time of year when Colorado’s black bears are focused heavily on finding food.
During late summer and fall bears enter a period known as hyperphagia as they prepare for winter. During this period bears spend much of their time eating and can consume thousands of calories each day.
Black bears rummage through trash in an unrelated photo. Colorado wildlife officials warn that unsecured garbage can attract bears into neighborhoods and other populated areas. (FWP)
Food has been especially important for Colorado bears this year. Prolonged drought and a late frost have reduced some natural food sources according to reports citing Colorado Parks and Wildlife. That has contributed to bears moving into neighborhoods and other populated areas while searching for meals.
Officials have reported increased bear activity across the state in 2026 including several encounters involving bears entering buildings and populated areas.
CPWD continues to encourage residents to remove potential bear attractants including unsecured garbage bird feeders and pet food. Bears that repeatedly find food around homes and businesses can become accustomed to people increasing the risk of future conflicts.
