HYRUM – In recent years, black bears have become more visible in the mountains around Cache Valley and with the weather warming up, bears will soon begin leaving their dens.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Hardware Wildlife Education Center wants to educate the public about black bears and how to stay safe while camping and hiking this summer.
During selected weekends in April, Hardware Wildlife Education Center will have their Bear Aware displays out for people to learn from.
The Hardware Wildlife Education Center is located at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, 15 miles east of Hyrum on Route 101. The education center is typically open seasonally and is best known for the unique elk viewing opportunities it offers during the winter.
Admission is free to the upcoming Bear Aware exhibit at the education center. The center will be closed on Easter weekend, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the last three weekends of April on the following days:
- Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12
- Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19
- Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26
“Black bears leave their dens in the spring when the weather starts to warm up,” Hardware Wildlife Education Center Education Coordinator Marni Lee said. “The spring is also a time when a lot of Utahns head outdoors for different recreational activities. Tour our ‘Bear Aware’ exhibit to get tips on how to stay safe while recreating in black bear country.”
Once inside the center, you can look at displays about black bear safety and get more information from the education center staff. The Bear Aware exhibit also includes crafts and fun activities for the whole family.
There is generally wildlife to see while driving through Blacksmith Fork Canyon on the way to the WMA. In the spring, wild turkeys, mule deer and even an occasional moose can be spotted in the canyon.
There are also fishing possibilities for those who have a valid Utah fishing license. Anglers should bring a fishing pole and tackle box on the trip up the canyon. This is a great time to fish in both Curtis Creek and the Blacksmith Fork River. Be sure to use caution around the rivers during the spring runoff.
“Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Hardware WMA,” Lee said. “The scenery is as green and vibrant as it will be all year.”
For more information about the exhibit or for directions to the education center, call the WMA at 435-753-6206.