CARBONDALE, Colo. -- Seven so-called problem bears have been killed in the past nine days in western Colorado.

Colorado Division of Wildlife officials said bears are facing a diminished supply of natural food and some have learned to associate human habitation with food, breaking into homes and campsites, and digging through garbage.

Those bears that come into contact with humans are tagged and relocated. On their second contact with humans, such bears are put to death.

Late-spring frosts and a dry summer in parts of the state have decimated the usual food supply, including berries and acorns, and many bears are following their noses into town.