The peaceful mountains of Ouray County, Colorado, were home to Donna Munson, a 74 year old widow who had spent years developing an unusual relationship with the local black bears. For more than a decade, Donna regularly left food outside her home, including dog food and fruit scraps, believing she was helping the animals survive.
As her health declined and the bears became increasingly comfortable around her property, Donna built a makeshift wire fence around her porch. It was meant to protect her from the animals that frequently wandered onto her land at night, but the barrier offered little protection against a determined bear.
Neighbors watched with growing concern as many as 14 bears began visiting the property. The animals scratched at windows and climbed around cars, knowing that food could often be found there. What had started as Donna’s attempt to care for wildlife was turning into a dangerous situation for everyone nearby.
Authorities and neighbors repeatedly warned Donna about the risks of feeding wild bears. Despite those warnings, she continued to believe she was helping them and even gave some of the animals names. She did not believe the bears would hurt her.
But the animals were becoming increasingly bold.
Tenants living nearby eventually moved away, particularly those with young children. Donna’s housekeeper was also reportedly frightened about visiting the property, yet Donna continued feeding the bears.
On August 7, 2009, the situation ended in tragedy.
Authorities discovered Donna’s body near her porch after she had been mauled and partially consumed. Investigators determined that a bear had reached through the weak fence, grabbed her and dragged her underneath it before killing her.
Even as investigators were examining the scene, one of the bears reportedly returned to the property looking for food.
Donna had spent years believing she could peacefully coexist with wild animals, but her relationship with the bears had changed their behavior. Instead of remaining wary of humans, they had learned that her property was a reliable source of food.
This is one of the biggest dangers of feeding wild predators. When animals repeatedly receive food from people, they can lose their natural fear of humans and begin approaching homes, vehicles and people in search of another meal.
Donna’s death was not an isolated warning about the dangers of bears. Between 2000 and 2015, hundreds of brown bear attacks on people were documented worldwide, including dozens that resulted in death. Yellowstone National Park has also recorded numerous bear attacks over the decades.
Following Donna’s death, wildlife authorities euthanized several bears in the area because they were considered a threat to public safety. The decision angered some local residents, but officials faced a difficult reality: once bears become accustomed to receiving food from people, they can become much harder to manage safely.
The best way to prevent these encounters is simple: never feed wild bears. Food can teach them to associate humans and homes with an easy meal, potentially creating a dangerous cycle that puts both people and animals at risk.
If you encounter a black bear, remain calm and avoid running. Make yourself appear larger, make noise and slowly create distance while giving the animal an opportunity to leave.
Bear spray can also be an important safety tool in areas where bears are common, especially when carried and used according to local wildlife guidance.
Donna wanted to live alongside the wildlife she loved, but the bears eventually stopped seeing her as a harmless neighbor and started seeing her property as a food source. Her tragic death is a reminder that wild animals may become familiar with people, but they never become pets.
