Stay “bear aware” this Memorial Day weekend

PHOENIX — With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding campers, hikers and other outdoor recreationists to be “bear aware.” Bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, but their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans as they search for an easy meal. AZGFD officials advise those living in or visiting bear country to remove or block access to trash, food or other attractants (such as pet food or bird seed). “Bears are dangerous. They might look cute or cuddly, but they certainly have the capacity to inflict harm on humans,” said Paul Greer, wildlife manager supervisor at AZGFD’s Region 1 office in Pinetop. “If humans do their part, then the bears may pass through without getting the reward of those attractants, the trash and the human sources of food — the bears will just move on,” said Greer. Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears: When camping... Keep food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent. Don't burn left-over food or trash on the grill. Set up a campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water. When hiking... Don’t wear scented lotions or perfumes. Make noise or hike in groups. Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times. In case of a bear encounter... Do NOT run and never play dead with a black bear. Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear. Make yourself look bigger than you are by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket up higher than your head. Throw items and yell at the bear. If attacked, fight back. What should I do if I see a bear or one in my neighborhood? Never approach a bear. Black bears typically avoid people, but if they associate people with food, they may become aggressive. If a bear enters your neighborhood or property, try to determine what might be attracting the bear, such as unsecured trash or a low-hanging bird feeder, and remove it. Deter the bear from the area by making loud noises, such as yelling, whistling or banging pans. Give the bear a chance to leave the area. If the bear does not leave, stay calm, continue facing it, and slowly back away. Unacceptable bear behavior, such as entering or attempting to enter human dwellings, tents or vehicles, approaching a human after it becomes aware of the human’s presence and any other aggressive behavior should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. In an emergency, call 911. People should also call to report situations where bears continue to frequent and access human attractants after measures have been taken to secure the attractant.