In Black Bear Country

I am always amused when I hear someone say "Don't worry about black bears, they aren't dangerous." Sure, this may be the case the majority of the time, but remember, black bears are not just wild animals, they are also predators. Just because they spend most of their time eating berries and grass doesn't mean they don't eat meat - those big teeth aren't just for show. If a black bear feels threatened, becomes aggressively territorial, or even gets rabies, they can be one tough adversary once they decide to attack. While human fatalities from black bear attacks are rare (but not impossible), you certainly wouldn't want to get chomped on by one. Just ask one of the victims of the latest bear attacks near Payson, AZ.

In the last month there have been 3 black bear attacks on humans in the forest surrounding Payson, with the most recent one yesterday morning - click here for that story. Why are they attacking, and is it the same bear? DNA tests are underway as we speak, thanks to the 3 bears that the Arizona Game and Fish killed today (full story here). Hopefully those dead bears will yield some answers so that we can help to prevent this in the future, but I believe that the most common reason for a black bear attack is laziness on the part of the humans.

Bear proof tent? Not so much. This tent belongs to the Tempe man

who was attacked early Sunday morning.

Most black bear attacks are non-fatal, and this is certainly an animal capable of killing a human. So why the bite, chomp, or slash? Food - they're looking for some. And as bears get more and more used to people in an area, they get more and more bold in their quest for a snack. So here's a few things to consider when camping in bear country:

• Establish a kitchen area away from the main sleeping and socializing areas.
• Do not leave food around campsites; this includes throwing biodegradable foods, such as banana peels and apple cores, into the garbage instead of out into the forest.
• Don't feed bears if you see them!
• Use bear boxes when possible, otherwise elevate food bags into the trees - dry bags and stuff sacks work great for this purpose.
• Remember to clean your dishes and utensils in the kitchen area, and put any smelly dishes or kitchen tools in the bear box or bear bag.
• Do not put "smellables" into your tent! Here's a quick list to give you an idea:
• Food - none, at all, period; even a stick of gum may be enough to bring in a bear
• Trash - a wrapper in your pocket is all it may take to generate some interest
• Sunscreen and insect repellant - these may smell sweeter than you think
• Hygiene items such as deodorant, body sprays, perfumes, soaps, creams, and powders should be kept in a stuff sack or dry bag and sealed up tight. Do not use them while in the tent - use them outside and then put them back in the bag.
• Be prepared to defend yourself, and those in your party, if someone is attacked - this includes mentally as well as physically. Bear spray is nice, but a firearm speaks a universal language.
• With or without a weapon, get big, get loud, be fierce. Playing dead = becoming dead.
• Know the laws in your area concerning bears and the use of self-defense.
• You can get additional information concerning bear safety at your local Forest Service station, Game and Fish station, and sometimes even at the local sporting goods store. Here's an example of good information found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department's website: http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_bear.shtml
• Here's some additional information from a great website - US Scouts: http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_bear.shtml

The most important thing to remember is to use your brain when you are out in the wild. You are in someone else's home - act accordingly!

Be Safe and Happy Hunting!