Beware the bears
Published on Jun 26, 2012 11:18AM
It's one of those hot, dry years again.
The last one was 2007, the year 11-year-old Sam Ivins was killed by a bear in Timpooneke Campground on Mt. Timponogos.
Now wildlife officials are warning campers to keep a special eye out for bears. Drought has left mountain foliage on the thin side, and bears may forage closer to humans than usual. Tribune reporter Brandon Loomis has a story in today's paper, urging campers to diminish the temptation by minding campsite cleanliness.
For those who stray from camp, the state Division of Wildlife Resources also has the following hiking pointers:
- Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when bears are more active
- Go with a group, if possible
- Make noise as you travel through dense cover
- Stay away from animal carcasses
- Store food, trash and scented items (such as sunscreen) in airtight plastic bags
- Keep kids in the center of the group
Has your campsite ever been raided by a bear? Have you ever seen one in the Utah wilderness? Share your bear stories in the comments!
— Erin Alberty
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