Why did bears stay away from populated areas this year in Southwest Colorado? Durango, Colorado Currently Thu 61% chance of precipitation 73% chance of precipitation Human-bear conflicts had been on the rise, but not in 2020 Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 5:03 AM Updated: Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 8:08 PM Why did bears stay away from populated areas this year in Southwest Colorado? Bear season was quiet this year, likely because there was plenty of food in the forest. Courtesy of Barry Bryant, file Toggle font size Loading the English audio player... With all the attention on this year’s highly contentious election and the onslaught of news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, one issue that usually takes the spotlight in Southwest Colorado went unusually quiet – bear season.