(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A bear was seen on the west side of Colorado Springs, a reminder of the biggest conflict between humans and bears last year, according to wildlife officers.

Wildlife officers said the biggest cause of conflict between bears and humans in 2023 was because bears were trying to gain access to trash and food. The homeowner said the bear did not cause any damage but it did get into some trash.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said bears that are attracted to human food sources damage property, vehicles, and homes. Bears do not know they are doing anything wrong, and according to CPW, are just following their sensitive noses, which can smell food sources from five miles away.

Unfortunately bears that find food around homes, campgrounds, and communities lose their natural wariness of people, according to CPW. Every year bears that have become too comfortable around people have to be destroyed.

Bearproofing your home is important not only for your safety but for the safety of bears as well.