WASHINGTON — As the weather warms up, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is urging visitors to take extra precautions when venturing into bear habitats, especially after recent bear encounters in various national parks. With bears being more active during spring and early summer, it’s crucial for visitors to be aware and prepared.
During these months, bears can be found traversing their habitats in search of food or while caring for their cubs. To minimize the risk of a bear encounter, visitors should remain vigilant, travel in groups, make noise in areas with poor visibility, properly store food and trash, and avoid getting too close to bears.
“Public lands managed by the BLM are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety,” emphasized BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy. He added, “Simple actions, like giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before you enter bear country, can protect visitors and bears.”
Essential Bear Safety Tips
- Never approach a bear
- Stay alert and avoid using headphones on trails
- Hike in groups when possible
- Make noise in areas like streams, dense vegetation, and blind corners
- Store food, trash, and scented items properly
- Carry bear spray where recommended and permitted
- Never run from a bear
- Remember: Bear deterrents, like spray and firearms, are tools and not substitutes for common sense
If a bear is encountered, it’s important to remain calm, speak in a steady voice, back away slowly, and avoid sudden movements. Any bear encounters should be reported to BLM field offices once it is safe to do so.
The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land, primarily across 12 western states, including Alaska. Additionally, it oversees 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estates nationwide. The mission of the BLM is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
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