Video: Bear Attacks Deer in Colorado Family's Yard

by
posted on June 18, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Editor's Note: The video embedded above is a bit graphic.

As hunters, we're well aware of how nature works—some animals eat other animals, same as we do. But even knowing that, it's hard to be prepared to watch nature take its course in your backyard, which is allegedly what happened to a Colorado man earlier this week. A viral video that's made its way around the web offers an up close and personal look at a young black bear's determined effort to make itself a venison dinner.

A Colorado Springs man told KOAA5 that the young bear—not a particularly uncommon sight, given the area—had been prowling the neighborhood, poking through trashcans, when it apparently came across an already injured deer. And so the battle began.

The young bear, which looks cinnamon-phase, spends most of the video latched onto the deer's back, teeth in the wounded animal's neck. The bruin wasn't a large one (heck, the deer might actually have been bigger) and, as such, has some difficulty finishing its prey. We never do get to see the final outcome of the struggle, but the KOAA5 report mentions that local law enforcement eventually put the deer down and let the bear run off, suggesting that it'd be going hungry for at least a little while longer.

What do you folks think? Was the bear trying to bite off more than it could chew?

Latest

W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337
W H2026 04 Hog Tactics IMG 7337

Looking for Hogs vs. Hunting Wild Boars

There is no right or wrong way to hunt hogs. But in the author’s opinion there are methods that are more rewarding than others if sporting challenge, and not merely eradication, is the goal.

New for 2026: Sightron Snap Focus Parallax Adjustment S6

Sightron has announced the Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56mm ED Mil Hash (MH) Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, the S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

#SundayGunday: FN 15 Guardian

On this week's #SundayGunday, we have an AR-platform from one of the finest gunmakers in the world, perfect for hog hunters and home defenders alike. The FN 15 Guardian applies Fabrique Nationale's proven quality to an AR, yielding a gun that runs well through all conditions.  A 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel, qualifies the gun as a carbine, perfect for handling through the woods or in a ground blind. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

How do you Compare to the Average Hunter?

There is no “average” hunter, although don’t be surprised if you’re more run-of-the-mill than you think after seeing the results of the “2025 Hunting Industry Insights” report. The survey, conducted by Untamed Outdoor Agency (UOA), focused on what might be the most active demographic—sportsmen between the ages of 32 and 52.

Says You: Trail Camera Overkill?

Editor-in-Chief Scott Olmsted's monthly response column to questions posed by our members. This week, we're discussing mountain lions, poaching and trail camera use.

New for 2026: Trijicon SRO Green Dot

Trijicon has announced a 2.5 MOA, Green Dot version of the SRO reflex sight. The new model will be available in Black and Coyote Brown anodized finishes.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.