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Bear etiquette at home and in the field

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.




 

 

 

 


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