HYRUM — With the weather generally warming up across the state, black bears will soon begin leaving their dens.
The Hardware Wildlife Education Center has activities to involve children while they learn about bears.
With the increased bear activity, in the past couple of years people may want to learn more about black bears and how to stay safe while camping and hiking this summer.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ Hardware Wildlife Education Center will have an exhibit at the Hardware Wildlife Education Center during select weekends in April. It will begin Friday, April, 4 and run until April 27.
The Center is located at the Hardware Wildlife Management Area in the beautiful Blacksmith Fork Canyon, 15 miles east of Hyrum on state Route 101. The education center is typically open seasonally for the unique elk viewing opportunities in the winter.
Admission to the exhibit is free. The center will be closed on Easter weekend, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following days:
- Friday, April 4 — Sunday, April 6
- Friday, April 11 — Sunday, April 13
- Friday, April 25 — Sunday, April 27
“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 lots 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 will be able to view displays about black bear safety and visit with the education center staff. The Bear Aware exhibit also includes crafts and fun activities for the whole family.
The drive through Blacksmith Fork Canyon often has mule deer, turkeys and lots of other wildlife to look at.
For those who like to fish, bring fishing gear on the trip up the canyon, as well. Fishing on Curtis Creek and the Blacksmith Fork River is another fun springtime activity.
DWR urges fishermen and others to use caution around the rivers during the spring runoff.
The bear exhibit at the Hardware Wildlife Education Center has activities to enlighten families about bears in the wild.
“Spring is a beautiful time to visit the 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.