May 2011

Our wonderful sales agent Liza took pics of some black bear tracks outside our office the other day, signaling that the bears are slowly awaking from their long winter's nap, and venturing into our little town for some breakfast! So I thought I would provide a little reminder to be Bear Aware! this summer when it comes to sharing space with the wiley creatures.
 
At Home
-Never ever intentionally feed a bear.
-Store garbage outside in bear-proof containers or inside a detached building.
-Don't leave pet food outside where bears can get to it.
-Move hummingbird and bird feeders inside at night.
-Clean and store barbecue grills inside a structure after every use.
-Don't put fruit or melon rinds, meat or grease in a mulch or compost pile.

In Camp
-Don't store food or eat in your tent.
-Don't sleep in the clothes you wore while cooking or eating. Store these clothes outside the tent.
-Keep clothing, grills, camp stoves and tables free of grease.
-Store your food in the trunk of your car or suspend it at least 10 feet off the ground between two limbs too small for a bear to climb.
-Don't keep toiletries inside your tent or wear perfume or cosmetics.
 
-If you encounter a bear Back away slowly while facing a bear.
-Speak softly to the bear and try not to show fear,
-Fight back if a bear attacks you. Use rocks, sticks, binoculars or any object that may be available