With summer temperatures continuing to rise and the natural food sources of black bears becoming increasingly difficult to find, officials with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Sawtooth National Forest are warning people that interactions with bears will likely increase.
While campers, backpackers and other outdoors people need to be extra mindful with their food and garbage, the same goes for homeowners living in bear country, Fish and Game said.
Bears travel great distances when switching from spring to summer foods, and when berries and other natural food sources become scarce—especially in drought years like this summer—human food sources become more attractive.
A recent Sawtooth National Recreation Area press release quotes Area Ranger Sara Baldwin as saying bears are as much a part of the landscape as are mosquitoes and wildflowers. Baldwin said a few simple precautions can make camping areas safe and enjoyable for bears and campers alike.
"Black bears are remarkable animals. It is always a thrill for me to see one," she said. "It's certainly not a hardship to make sure food is properly stored, and it's the only fair thing for the bears."
According to Fish and Game, ways of being bear aware around camp include:
· Pick up garbage and keep it in a closed vehicle or in a plastic bag tied high in a tree. Store all food in a bear-resistant container, camper or vehicle. Never keep food in your tent.
· Don't bury food scraps, pour out baking grease, or leave anything that might be tasty on the ground or in a fire pit. Also, store barbecue grills or other smelly cooking gear inside your vehicle or within a sealed container. Bears have a tremendous sense of smell, and they will look for easy meals.
· If you see a bear, watch it from a safe distance and leave it alone. Bears are not usually aggressive, but the danger may increase if a bear loses its fear of humans.
Fish and Game also advises that homeowners can eliminate most conflicts with bears by practicing the following:
· Keep garbage in bear-proof, latchable containers. Keep garbage in a closed building until the morning of pickup.
· Empty and remove bird feeders during the summer months. Songbirds are able to forage on food provided by nature. Bears find bird feeders an easy source of food.
· Clean up fruit that has fallen from trees in your yard. In addition to bears, rotting fruit will also attract raccoons and skunks.
· Feed pets inside or during daylight hours. Do not leave pet food or food scraps outside of your home or camp. Pet food or food scraps are an excellent bear attractant.
· Store horse and livestock grains inside closed barns.
· Composting in bear country is not advised.
· Keep barbecue grills stored in closed buildings.
For more information on being bear aware, contact Fish and Game's Magic Valley Region office at (208) 324-4359.
Express file photo
Bears, like this one roaming outside of Ketchum, will likely continue to show up in urban areas as their normal food sources dry up this summer. Area residents should know how to lessen interactions with the hungry omnivores.
