Beware of bears this time of year

If you plan to camp this fall in areas populated by bears, including National Parks, be careful. This time of year bears are in constant search of food before denning for the winter. Bears are moving up and down in elevation and moving along river valley bottoms looking for calories -- fruits and vegetables, unsecured food in residential areas (pet food, garbage, bird feeders), and carcasses from hunter harvests. Hikers, campers, hunters -- all recreationists — should use care and be familiar with how avoid encounters in bear country.

Here are some tips about traveling and camping in bear areas.
• Always carry bear pepper spray, have it close at hand, and know how to use it.
• If you are going to be alone in bear country, let someone know your detailed plans; better yet, don’t go alone.
• Be alert to signs of bear activity.
• Think in advance about what you would do in the event of an encounter.
• Make noise as you travel.
• Cook any meals at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites.
• Store any attractants, including game carcasses, at least 100 yards from any backcountry campsites.
• Hunters: after making a kill get the carcass out of the area as quickly as possible; while field dressing, keep a can of bear spray within easy reach; use special precautions if you must leave and return to a carcass, including placing the carcass where you can easily observe it from a distance when you return. Do not attempt to frighten away or haze a bear that is near or feeding on a carcass.