DWR reminds campers to bear-proof and clean their camp
Jul 31, 2024, 9:39 AM | Updated: Aug 1, 2024, 7:20 am
Wildlife officials are pleading with the public to keep their campsites clean and bear-proof their food and supplies. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.)
(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.)
AMERICAN FORK CANYON, Utah — Wildlife officials are pleading with the public to bear-proof their food and supplies and keep their campsites clean.
Wildlife officials euthanized a bear in American Fork Canyon that had become habituated to the garbage left by campers. Another bear may face the same outcome near the Soapstone Campground in the Uintahs.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources spokesperson Faith Heaton Jolley said this isn’t why biologists got into the business.
“They love animals. They enjoy managing, and working and protecting the animals,” she said. “So anytime we have to euthanize an animal, it is really hard for our staff.”
Heaton Jolley said people don’t think there are bears in their area because they don’t see them. However, they are there.
“[People say] ‘I’ve lived in Utah for 50 years, I’ve never seen a bear in this area (and) I’ve been camping here since I was 2 years old,'” she said. “It’s just not top of mind for people.”
She said, unfortunately, “A fed bear is a dead bear.”
“We don’t want to have to deal with that situation,” she said. “Don’t put us in that situation just because you’re not taking care of cleaning up your property or your things while you’re out.”
Visit the DWR website for more information on how to bear-proof your campsite.
Related: DWR to host Utah bat viewing events in August
