Extreme drought conditions are a factor in the increase in bear incidents that have required assistance from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. A Thursday DWR news release shares that the number of bear incidents has doubled from last year. Warm weather in spring, followed by several hard freezes, have impacted the black bear’s main food sources like berries and acorns. As a result, bears have migrated to lower elevations looking for alternate food sources. “The likelihood of seeing a bear in places you wouldn’t think they would be is dramatically higher this year,” shares DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson. “Unfortunately, their search for food has created some conflicts in some of these areas.” The DWR recommends properly securing or cleaning anything in your yard that may attract a bear. Some of these include: birdfeeders, fruit trees, compost piles, beehives, pet food and water bowls, unsupervised outdoor pets (especially at night), barbecue grills, and outdoor garbage cans. When camping it is especially important to bear-proof your food and supplies and keep your campsite clean. Also, use your common sense and NEVER feed a bear. If a bear loses its fear of people, the animal often has to be euthanized to keep the public safe so not feeding a bear keeps it safe as well.
Photo Cred: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources