Be bear smart

By Vicki Winger

Whether we are within town limits or out in the bush, bear encounters have become more common. Bear habitats have become more fragmented resulting in these encounters. With winter just ahead, it becomes more critical as bears will be out in search of food to prepare for hibernation.

Human activities have become more frequent in bear territory. As a result, bear habitats have become more fragmented and encounters between bears and humans more common. Bears become used to human camps, garbage dumps, residential areas, ranches, and farms when they learn these locations can provide easy meals. Once a bear gets used to an area that is also frequented by people, the chances of a bear-human encounter increase. Though quite rare, bear attacks can injure or kill a human. If this happens, the bear will likely be found and destroyed.

Remember that bears are clever, curious, and live to eat. They also have an excellent sense of smell. Bears are in a constant search for new food sources. Once they have discovered a new source it is extremely difficult to keep them from returning to it whether it’s human food, pet food left out, or garbage.

Whether you’re hiking on the trails or camping, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from these curious animals.

• Carry bear spray or a noise maker. Do not carry it in a backpack as you may need immediate access.
• Make noise often. You’ll be less likely to have a surprise encounter.
• Watch for fresh bear signs. These include droppings, tracks, scratched logs, overturned rocks, or torn up ant hills.
• Go in a group. Bears are less likely to approach.

• If you hike with a dog, keep it on a leash and under control. An unleashed dog can lead an irritated bear back to you.
• Avoid being out at dusk, night, or dawn. Although bear encounters can happen at any time of day, bears are most active at these times.
• Keep young children close to you. They can be particularly at risk because they are small and make erratic movements.

• Always clean up and never leave food out. It could attract them.

If a bear sighting is reported, Fish and Wildlife will attend and determine if there are any attractants nearby that are enticing the bear to that area. Sometimes it’s only a matter of advising folks to clean up the area from garbage to resolve the issue. Bear sightings or problem bears can be reported to Fish and Wildlife through its Report a Poacher number at 1-800-642-3800. Although the line is reserved for emergencies, a bear sighting within town limits does fall under this category.