Campgrounds are like a free marketplace for a curious bear. They are commonly strewn with garbage and food stuffs … way more than a poor bear can resist.
These critters are often incapable of ignoring their noses. They sniff good-smelling food, and their curious hungry little brains just seem to follow where those noses lead. They occasionally lead to conflicts with people, which is sad for both the bear and the people.
Bears are one of the critters in our area that must be taken seriously because of their power and ability to maim or kill a human. Our game managers take little chance with the lives and safety of people, so once a bear has had a run-in with people, it may well be hunted down and destroyed.
During summer, folks are trying to get in some camping trips before school starts, and this is when the chances of a scary bear encounter is the greatest. It may be preventable.
How can we avoid potentially deadly (to the bear or to people) encounters? The DFG offers words of wisdom, sound advice.
“In our judgment, nearly all public safety problems that involve bears begin with people improperly managing garbage and food,” once said DFG Senior Wildlife Biologist Doug Updike. “You can take all the proper precautions when you’re in bear habitat, but if someone else has not been diligent, you may still be the target of a problem bear.
“The last thing we want to do is issue a permit to kill a bear or take one for public safety reasons. And if humans don’t clean up their act, the problem isn’t solved, and another bear will come along and take its place.”
Our estimated population of 30,000-plus black bears in California is carefully managed by hunting; however, encounters with humans are sure to occur in campground areas. For anyone living in bear habitat or who encounter a bear, these are some rules to follow, as per the DFG:
“Keep your camp clean, and never feed a bear – People should never feed bears, even unintentionally. It is also against the law (several local ordinances). When camping, hiking or backpacking, make sure to keep a clean camp, as bears are far more likely to visit a camp if there are attractants, which include dirty cooking utensils.
“Also dispose of all garbage properly and use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible, or store garbage in a secure location with food. Don’t bury or burn excess food because bears will still be attracted to the residual smell. Garbage should be packed out of camp if no trash receptacles are available.”
“Never approach a bear – Most black bears will avoid confrontation if given the chance. If a bear encounter occurs, make sure to give the animal enough space to escape. Most human injuries associated with black bears occur when a bear is approached.
“If a black bear approaches, try to demonstrate that you may be a danger to it. Make yourself larger, stand up, raise your arms and open your jacket. Yell, bang pots and pans or whatever objects you may have that will create a commotion.”
“Do not run from a bear – Running away from a black bear may stimulate its instinct to chase. No human will be able to outrun a bear. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact, but don’t stare. If you have small children with you, pick them up so they can’t run away or panic.”
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
