The Bureau of Land Management and the Department of the Interior have urged outdoor visitors to brush up on bear safety protocols following a series of recent incidents in national parks and on public land across the country.
The agencies issued a reminder this past week that spring and early summer bring a surge in bear activity on public lands. Bears are on the move during this period, foraging for food after winter and, in many cases, protecting cubs. The combination makes for a heightened risk environment for hikers, campers, and other recreationists.
“Public lands managed by the BLM are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety. Simple actions, like giving bears space, securing food and knowing what to do before you enter bear country, can protect visitors and bears.” – BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy
The BLM and Interior are asking visitors to follow a set of core safety practices before and during any trip into their habitat. Their guidance includes the following reminders:
- Never approach a bear, and never run from one
- Stay alert and avoid wearing headphones on trails
- Hike in groups whenever possible
- Make noise near streams, dense vegetation, and blind corners
- Store food, trash, and scented items properly
- Carry bear spray in areas where it is recommended and permitted
- Remember that deterrents like spray and firearms supplement good judgment rather than replace it
If an encounter does occur, the agencies advise staying calm, speaking in a steady voice, backing away slowly, and avoiding sudden movements.
Anyone who encounters a bear on BLM-managed land should report it to the nearest BLM field office as soon as it is safe to do so. Those reports help land managers track animal activity and improve safety conditions for future visitors. Bears are out there. Know what to do before you go.
