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A historic drought across the U.S. West has led to a record surge in black bear sightings and human encounters, with Colorado logging over 7,000 reports in 2026, surpassing the 2019 annual record. The severe lack of natural food, comprising roughly 90% of bears' diets, is pushing them into populated areas, causing property damage and attacks in multiple states. Experts warn the crisis will worsen as bears enter hyperphagia, consuming up to 20,000 calories daily to prepare for hibernation. At least six bear attacks have been reported in Colorado this year, including four in August alone. Wildlife agencies have euthanized hundreds of bears deemed dangerous, including record numbers in New Mexico (187) and Utah (39). Conservation groups argue that human negligence, like unsecured trash, is a primary driver of these conflicts. While fatal attacks remain rare, authorities urge residents to secure attractants to prevent further incidents.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, are using a novel traffic strategy that rewards law-abiding drivers with fewer red lights, a departure from traditional punishment-based enforcement. The system, an evolution of the 'rest in red' concept, uses speed sensors to grant an early green light to drivers at or below the speed limit, while speeding triggers a red light [citation:1][citation:2]. Albuquerque credits the approach with a dramatic drop in crashes and injuries on Lead and Coal Avenues, with resident Isaac Romero noting a significant reduction in nighttime racing and accidents [citation:1][citation:2]. Portland reports that at its first intersection on Southeast Powell Boulevard, average speeds dropped from 39 mph to the 30 mph limit [citation:1][citation:6]. While early results are promising, officials and researchers, including Oregon State University's David Hurwitz, caution that further study is needed to ensure the gains are not offset by unintended consequences like increased red-light running [citation:1][citation:6].