This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Vernal • Federal land managers are barring overnight stays at a popular camping area near eastern Utah's Book Cliffs after a black bear broke into two unoccupied camping trailers, rummaged through cupboards and chewed cans.
Wildlife officials say daytime visitors to the PR Springs and Willow Canyon areas should be cautious until the bear is captured.
Ron Stewart, a state Division of Wildlife Resources manager, says the bear climbed in through the top of one camper after removing a skylight.
Stewart didn't know how the bear got inside the second trailer. He says the owners of the trailers believe the bear broke in over the weekend.
Officials say campers can make their campsites less attractive to bears by keeping the area clean and securing food and scented items.