written by Missy Votel
Although it may be neat to see a bear in
the wild, seeing one eat out of your garbage can from your back
door is a bad sign and could ultimately spell death for the
bear, which often winds up on the losing end of a human/bear
encounter. Here are some tips, courtesy of the City of Durango
and Division of Wildlife, to help keep bears where they belong.
What to do around the
homestead
-Keep garbage out of reach and smell of
bears. Empty garbage cans regularly and periodically clean with
hot water and bleach. Store trash in a bear-proof enclosure;
for ideas contact the Division of Wildlife.
-Do not store pet food or feed pets outside.
Hang bird seed, suet and hummingbird feeders on a wire between
trees instead of on your deck or porch. Bring all bird feeders
in at night.
-Do not put fruit, melon rinds or other
sweet items in mulch or compost piles.
nKeep your barbecue clean of grease and store inside.
What to do when camping
and hiking
-Keep your camp clean and your tent and
sleeping bag free of food smells. Store clothes you wore while
cooking or eating with your food. Burn all grease off grills
and camp stoves. Wipe table and clean up eating area thoroughly.
-Store food safely in your car trunk or
suspended from a tree – at least 10 feet off the ground
and 4 feet out from the tree trunk.
-Dispose of garbage properly. Put it in
bear-proof garbage cans or secure with your food and pack it
out. Don’t burn or bury garbage. Bears will dig it up.
-Sleep away from cooking area or food-storage
site.
-Store toiletries safely with your food
- the smell may attract bears. Abstain from sexual activity.
Practice good personal hygiene.
-Use caution in places where hearing or
visibility is limited: brushy areas, near streams, where trails
round a bend or on windy days. Avoid berry patches in fall.
Make noise – talk or sing.
-Make sure children are close to you or
at least within your sight. Leave dogs at home or have them
on a leash.
What to do if you meet
a black bear
-Stay calm, calmly leave the area. As you
move away, talk aloud to let the bear discover your presence.
-Avoid direct eye contact. Give the bear
room to escape.
-If on a trail, step off the trail on the
downhill side and slowly leave the area. Don’t run or
make any sudden movements. Do not run or climb trees to escape,
this may stimulate the bear to follow. Stand your ground.
-Speak softly. Try not to show fear.
-If a black bear attacks you, fight back.
|
