Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear?
Aug 1, 2024, 6:00 AM
Wildlife officials are pleading with the public to keep their campsites clean and bear-proof their food and supplies. Photo credit: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s wilderness is home to thousands of black bears, meaning there is a chance that you will encounter a bear while recreating in the great outdoors.
According to Wild Aware Utah, black bears are the only species living in the Beehive State’s forests. About 80% of them are found at elevations between 7,000 and 10,000 feet, however, they will also travel lower.
According to Darren Debloois, the mammal coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, one bear had to be euthanized in American Fork Canyon because it kept returning to a campground looking for food.
“It’s really hard for us to have to euthanize an animal that really is in a situation that’s caused by people,” said Debloois. The bear had to be euthanized to prevent confrontations. It could’ve been prevented by properly secured food.
Camping in Utah? Avoid a black bear encounter by storing food properly
According to the National Park Service, bears will eat anything. They are known to quickly catch on to areas where food is not being stored properly. Not only can it raise the potential for dangerous human-bear encounters, but it can shorten their life expectancy.
Over time, bears can develop a preference for human food. It can lead to increased aggression, unpredictability, and dangerous encounters.
If you are planning on camping, make sure you familiarize yourself with the area’s requirements. Some campgrounds require the use of food lockers or bear-resistant canisters. Others allow guests to hang food from a tree in a bear bag, where it is out of reach.
Additionally, the NPS said you should always keep food within arm’s reach. Do not turn your back on it.
When you are done, lock it up. Do not keep it in your tent or backpack. According to the Utah DWR, locking it in a trailer or the trunk of your car are both good options.
“There [are] bears that maybe have done this a few times [and get] into the passenger compartment. Trunks are a little more difficult, they don’t have handles,” said Debloois.
The NPS said food should never be stored on the exterior parts of a car, such as in the bed of a truck.
According to Debloois, the rule extends to other items with strong scents, such as toothpaste or bug spray.
“Anything that a bear might say, ‘I wonder what that is,'” said Debloois.
When you are hiking or backpacking, the NPS recommended packing compact, high calorie, foods that do not have strong odors. Examples include rice, tortillas, jerky, and peanut butter.
If you are staying in a cabin, house, or hotel room, close and lock all doors and windows before you leave.
Keep your distance
If you see or come into contact with a bear, there are a few things you can do.
Debloois said that depending on the situation, you may be able to keep your distance and avoid confrontation.
“If you see a bear from the distance that’s doing bear things … that’s not something to be concerned about,” said Debloois. “A lot of times bears will stand up [to] get a better look at something. That’s not something to be concerned about.”
In that case, keep your distance, enjoy the sighting, and the bear will likely move on.
Sometimes, however, people surprise bears. According to Debloois, a lot of grizzly bear attacks happen that way.
When you are hiking or trail running, make noise to alert nearby animals, including bears, of your presence. Talk to the members of your group or play music at a reasonable volume over a speaker.
If black bears are startled, they are likely to act aggressively or charge.
“In those kinds of situations stand your ground, make yourself look large, [and] bear spray is a good idea,” said Debloois. Keep it in a place where it is easily accessible, such as your pocket, in case you find yourself in an encounter with a black bear.
Furthermore, the NPS said not to drop your backpack. It can provide protection to your back.
If the bear is stationary, move away slowly and sideways. The method allows you to keep an eye on the bear, avoid tripping, and appear non-threatening.
Always leave the bear an escape route. If you can vacate the area, do not run away. The NPS said bears can run as fast as racehorses and they will chase fleeing animals.
Identify the bear, react appropriately
If you are heading into an area with more than one bear species, it is recommended that you learn to identify them.
In the event that you find yourself close to a bear, your strategy should be tailored to the species. Since black and grizzly bears can climb, do not ascend a tree.
If a black bear encounter results in an attack, the NPS said not to pretend you are dead. Fight back and focus blows on the bear’s face and muzzle.
In contrast, if you are attacked by a grizzly or brown bear, leave your backpack on and play dead. Lie on your stomach, spread your legs, and place your hands clasped behind your neck. Stay still until the bear leaves.
If the attack continues, like fighting a black bear, focus hits on the face and neck.
