Safeguarding the Wild: Keeping Campers and Bears Safe in the Great Outdoors

In recent times, a surge of incidents involving bears and people has caused significant concern. Utah, in particular, experienced a flurry of conflicts during the summer, with three separate incidents occurring in the closing days of July and the onset of August. These events serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human presence and the natural world, underscoring the importance of responsible outdoor recreation and wildlife management.

Securing Your Camp, Protecting the Wild

Unsecured Attractants: A Dangerous Draw

Investigations into the recent incident near Red Lodge, Montana, where a 3-year-old girl was attacked and hospitalized by a black bear, have revealed the root cause: unsecured food and trash. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks found that the bear had been drawn in by unprotected attractants, including garbage, a cooler, and human food, which were left around and inside the family's tent. This pattern is all too familiar to wildlife managers, as they have witnessed similar scenarios play out in Utah's own backyard.In American Fork Canyon, a black bear had been frequenting campgrounds before being caught and killed. According to Faith Heaton Jolley, a spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, this bear had become conditioned to human food and trash, a dangerous situation that ultimately led to its demise. A similar incident occurred near Kamas, where a bear, habituated to human food and trash, had been raiding campsites and was subsequently captured and euthanized.

The Tragic Consequences of Negligence

The anguish of having to euthanize an animal because of human negligence is not lost on wildlife managers. As Jolley expressed, "Having to euthanize an animal — because someone didn't do something as simple as keeping their campsite clean and storing food in a secure area — is really hard." These incidents serve as a haunting reminder of the consequences that can arise when campers fail to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their children, and the wildlife they have come to enjoy.

Keeping the Wild Wild: The Responsibility of Campers

Campers, whether traveling with children or not, have a crucial role to play in maintaining the delicate balance between human and wildlife safety. Properly storing and managing food and trash is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to keep both people and wildlife safe. This includes keeping anything with an odor away from tents and sleeping areas, storing food in the trunk of a car or a hard-sided, lockable trailer, and properly disposing of biodegradable scraps and other potential attractants.For parents, the responsibility is even greater. Camping with kids requires extra considerations, such as cleaning children up before bedtime and storing soiled clothing and other potential attractants in a secure location away from the sleeping area. By taking these proactive measures, campers can ensure that their outdoor experience remains safe and enjoyable for all.

Reporting Concerns: A Community Effort

Campers are not solely responsible for their own actions; they are also part of a larger community of outdoor enthusiasts. If you encounter concerning situations, such as overfilled campground dumpsters or parties failing to secure their food and trash, it is crucial to report these issues to the relevant authorities. This collective effort can help prevent future conflicts and ensure that Utah's natural wonders remain pristine and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Fines and Punishments: A Necessary Deterrent

While the preservation of natural resources and public safety should be the primary motivator for responsible camping practices, the threat of fines and other punishments can serve as a necessary deterrent. Jolley noted that failure to properly manage food and trash can result in financial penalties and other consequences. By enforcing these regulations, wildlife managers can reinforce the importance of individual accountability and encourage campers to take a more active role in safeguarding the great outdoors.

Decoding the Bear Population Conundrum

With the recent surge in bear-human encounters, it's natural to assume that bear populations are on the rise. However, Darren DeBloois, the game animals coordinator with Utah's Department of Wildlife Resources, offers a different perspective. He states that estimates indicate a general decline in the number of bears across the state in recent years, though he acknowledges that the exact population is difficult to determine.DeBloois' assessment suggests that the issue is not necessarily one of overabundant bears, but rather a reflection of the way in which humans interact with their natural surroundings. When campers and outdoor enthusiasts fail to properly manage their food and trash, they inadvertently create a situation that draws bears into proximity with people, increasing the likelihood of conflict. Conversely, when human behavior is aligned with responsible wildlife management practices, the number of bear-human encounters and the associated safety concerns diminish significantly.