Colorado's dry winter and early spring could lead to more bears returning from hibernation and searching for food, increasing risk of human-wildlife encounters with both humans and wildlife. Experts warn that drought can shrink natural food supplies and increase risk of encounters with people and wildlife alike. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reported 5,299 bear sighting reports last year, an increase of 15% over the previous six years. If drought continues, this could limit the natural food bears rely on. The agency has limited impact on bear activity so far, but still has the possibility of more snow and rain to improve natural food sources for bears.