WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is urging visitors to take extra precautions in bear country after several recent bear incidents in national parks across the country, officials said Friday.
Agency officials said spring and early summer typically bring increased bear activity as animals search for food, move through habitats and protect cubs. Visitors should review park alerts and park-specific bear safety guidance before traveling, the agency said, noting that bear species, terrain, food storage regulations and bear spray recommendations vary between parks.
The Park Service recommends never approaching bears, staying alert while hiking, traveling in groups when possible and making noise in areas with limited visibility such as near streams or dense vegetation. Officials also advised properly storing food, trash and scented items and carrying bear spray in parks where it is recommended and permitted. If a bear is encountered, visitors should remain calm, speak in a steady voice, slowly back away and avoid sudden movements; running is discouraged. Visitors should report bear encounters to park staff as soon as it is safe to do so.
“National parks are wild places, and wildlife safety is visitor safety,” Jessica Bowron, comptroller exercising the delegated authority of the director, said in a statement. More information about bear safety is available on individual park websites on the National Park Service website.
