The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again advising campers and other outdoor recreationists to be “bear aware” this season in the wake of a recent bear attack on a 14-year-old boy near Hayden and several other bear incidents throughout the state.
Assuming the story is reliable, a young Black Bear attacked and slightly injured the boy, who was camping with three friends on June 11 along the Gila River at a place called Shores Recreation Area. The four boys were sleeping on the ground when the victim woke up to a bear standing over him around 5:30 a.m. The bear swatted the boy, and when his friends were awakened by the incident, they chased the bear off.
The bear was likely attracted to the camping area because of the significant amount of trash surrounding this popular recreation site.
“The incident illustrates the need for the public to take precautions when camping or recreating outdoors, because there is a higher potential for human interactions with bears and other wildlife this year due to the state’s prolonged drought,” says Randy Babb, a Game and Fish information and education specialist. “Bear encounters have been on the increase in several areas of the state.”
The primary cause of most conflicts between bears and people, especially in camping areas, is food. It is prudent for all outdoor recreationists to take the following precautions to minimize potential conflicts with bears and other wildlife:
Never intentionally feed wildlife.
Secure all garbage.
Keep a clean camp.
Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area.
Store all foods, toiletries and other scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears.
Wash up, change clothing and remove all scented articles before retiring to your sleeping area.
Walk or jog in groups. Pay attention to your surroundings when hiking, jogging or bicycling.
Supervise your children and keep them in sight.
Keep your pets on a leash – don’t allow them to roam free. Or better yet, leave them at home if you can. Pets can easily get into conflicts with a wide range of wildlife from skunks to coyotes.
If you are confronted by a bear, don’t run. Try to make yourself look as big and imposing as possible. Stay facing the animal. Throw something at it. Speak and let it know you are human. Loud noises can help. Try clanging pans, using air horns, or whatever is available.