Holding Its Legs Like a Cat, 'Sound Asleep'... Black Bear Found Napping Near Window of Colorado Home

Did Not Wake Even as People Gathered

Safely Rescued and Released After Being Tranquilized

Frequent Bear Sightings in Nearby Residential Areas

A black bear was found napping at a house in Colorado, USA, drawing public attention.

On May 8, Yonhap News TV reported, citing local outlets such as KKTV and CBS News, on a recent incident in Falcon, Colorado, where a black bear was discovered napping near a residential area. On May 5, Colorado police authorities received a report that "a bear is sleeping by the window." Responding to the call, officers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the police found a male black bear weighing about 110 kg that had fallen into a window well—a space outside a basement window. The bear appeared drowsy and disoriented, unable to wake up fully even as people gathered nearby.

The homeowner, Christine Nedvalec, said, "The bear looked around the area and then fell back asleep," adding, "The way he held his hind legs looked very cute, like a cat." Nedvalec also shared a personal story, saying she had heard news of her grandfather passing away just minutes before being notified about the bear, and remarked, "It felt as if my grandfather had come to say goodbye," expressing a special connection to the bear.

The rescue operation was carried out with caution. Wildlife authorities, noting that the bear could pose a threat if startled or agitated, administered a tranquilizer. The bear was then moved through the window into the house, placed on a stretcher, and safely taken outside. After receiving an antidote for the tranquilizer, the rescued bear was released into a bear habitat about three hours away from Colorado Springs. Although the incident seemed like a peaceful "nap episode," wildlife experts stress that people should never approach black bears if encountered. While black bears generally avoid humans, they can attack if startled or if their escape route is blocked.

Therefore, Colorado wildlife authorities advise that when encountering a bear, people should not feed it or approach for photos, and should keep a safe distance to allow the bear to leave. They further recommend residents securely lock trash bins, close windows and garage doors, and avoid leaving items with food odors outdoors in residential areas.