The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are expecting more bear people conflicts this year because of the drought.
LOGAN – On the morning of May 16, a black bear was sighted in Morgan County wondering near a middle school. The bear ran up a tree and was later tranquilized and transported to a wilderness area.
Dr. Terry Messmer, the Director of Utah State University’s Wildlife Extension Program, said bears can be found everywhere in Utah.
“We live in bear country and black bears are the only species in the state,” he said. “There have been bear sightings in the Uinta-Cache National Forest for years and they seem to be increasing.”
Messmer said people need to be aware particularly during the drought when you have bear populations and their food is disappearing they will be looking for something to eat.
The omnivores have an amazing sense of smell and have no problem eating the same food that people eat. As a result, many of the conflicts between people and bears happen because the bears start scavenging for the food that humans are eating and cooking while camping — often in the bear’s natural habitat.
“Bear-human conflicts are an increasing trend and they are becoming more active because they are coming out of hibernation,” he said. “There are approximately 4,000 bears in Utah.”
Messmer said people who raise chickens in outside coops near the forest should watch out for them and when people are recreating in the forest they should not leave left-over food or garbage lying around.
“Bears will travel a long way to get to food,” he said. “We have information on our Wild Aware Utah website that can help people know what to so if they see a bear.”
The Division of Wildlife Resources said bears typically come out of hibernation in March or April, but similar to last year, they emerged a little earlier than usual, due to the low snow conditions and early warm weather.
Drought conditions impact plants and other root-like vegetation, which make up 90% of a black bear’s diet, so Utah DWR biologists think bears look for alternate food sources in other areas this year.
“The lower food supply could lead to more bear conflicts this summer as bears look more broadly for food,” DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois said. “We’re anticipating a possible increase in incidents this year of bears getting into people’s garbage and scavenging for food.”
He said even though bears are incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people, DeBloois said.
“When a bear finds food, though, that all changes,” DeBloois said. “As a result, many of the conflicts between people and bears happen because the bears start scavenging for the food that humans are eating and cooking while camping — often in the bear’s natural habitat.”
Bears often become aggressive toward anything they perceive as threatening the area where they found the food — that includes people.
DWR offers a few simple tips to keep both people and the bears safe while recreating in their territory or if you live in the foothills or canyons of Utah.
Bear-proof your food and supplies
When camping, store your food, snacks and scented items (such as deodorant and toothpaste) in an area where a bear can’t get to them. Do not leave them out on tables or keep them in your tent. Storing them in a locked trailer or locking them in the trunk of your car are both good options.
Keep your cooking area clean
After you’ve finished eating, thoroughly clean utensils and anything else that was used to prepare or eat the food. Don’t dump oil or grease from pots or pans onto the ground. Instead, put the oil or grease in a container, and take it home with you
Keep your campsite clean
Don’t leave food scraps and other trash scattered around your campsite or cabin area. Instead, put it in trash bags, and take it home with you. Make sure to wipe down picnic tables and keep the area free of food and other debris. Always keep your campsite or cabin area clean because a dirty campsite can attract bears long after you’ve left.
“If a bear visits the area after you leave and then someone comes into that area to camp, you’ve created a potentially dangerous situation,” DeBloois said.
Never feed a bear
This may seem like common sense, but it’s worth noting. Although bear cubs may seem cute, you should absolutely never feed one — or an adult bear for that matter. They are wild animals and natural predators.
Once a bear loses its fear of people, wildlife biologists and conservation officers are left with something they dread: having to euthanize an animal to keep the public safe. By not providing a bear with food, you can help keep it safe, too.
Bear-proof your outdoor garbage cans
Many bear reports that the DWR receive each year involve bears getting into trash cans or dumpsters in neighborhoods and at cabins. Make sure to store your trash in a secure location or bear-proof container. If you don’t have access to a bear-safe garbage can or dumpster, make sure to store your garbage can in your garage and put it out for pick up in the morning, rather than the night before. Also, make sure to clean your trash container regularly to eliminate some of the odors that attract bears.
Items that will attract a bear to your house
Utah is bear country, and especially so if you live in the foothills or other mountainous parts of the state. It is important to properly secure or clean anything in your yard that may attract a bear. Some of these include:
- Birdfeeders (both seed and hummingbird)
- Fruit trees
- Compost piles
- Beehives
- Pet food and water bowls
- Unsupervised outdoor pets (especially at night)
- Barbecue grills
Know what to do if you encounter a bear
- Don’t run away or climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph — you cannot outclimb or outrun them.
- Know bear behavior. If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it’s not being aggressive. These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.
- If a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up! People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.