MANY PEOPLE WILL BE HEADED TO ARIZONA’S HIGH COUNTRY THIS WEEKEND, AND THE ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT (AZGFD) IS REMINDING OUTDOOR RECREATIONISTS AND RESIDENTS TO BE AWARE OF THE CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH BEARS OR OTHER NATIVE WILDLIFE.

 

THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY WILDLIFE IS FROM A SAFE DISTANCE. BLACK BEARS, THE ONLY BEAR SPECIES IN ARIZONA, WILL USUALLY DETECT YOU AND LEAVE THE AREA BEFORE YOU NOTICE, UNLESS THE BEAR HAS BEEN CONDITIONED TO PEOPLE AND THEIR FOOD.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH BEARS:

KEEP A CLEAN CAMPSITE, STORE FOOD AND TRASH OUT OF SIGHT OR IN A CLOSED VEHICLE; NEVER PUT FOOD OR SCRAPS IN THE FIRE PIT, IT ATTRACKS CRITTERS; DON’T KEEP OR PUT FOOD, MEDICINE OR ANYTHING THAT HAS A SCENT IN YOUR TENT OR SLEEPING BAGS; WHEN CAMPING IN THE BACK COUNTRY, HANG FOOD AND GARBAGE FROM A TREE LIMB 10 FEET FROM THE GROUND AND 5 FEET FROM THE TREE TRUNK AND 100 YARDS FROM YOUR CAMPSITE; NEVER APPROACH A BEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE’S WITH CUBS.

FIND MORE TIPS ONLINE AT AZGFD.COM.