Young bear spotted at Petes Hole campground in Manti-La Sal National Forest

SAN PETE, Utah – Utah Division of Wildlife Services officials reported a young bear wandering at Petes Hole campground in the Manti-La Sal National Forest on Thursday and Friday.

Traps have been set by the DWR, but they say the bear has not been caught. They are warning people to keep food and scented items locked in cars or placed into bear-proof containers.

DWR recommends these bear safety tips while camping:

• -Store food, drinks and scented items securely (in your vehicle, a bear-safe container or a tree — never in your tent)
• -Dispose of trash in bear-proof dumpsters, if available
• -Wipe down picnic tables
• -Burn food off stoves or grills
• -Pitch tents away from trails in the backcountry
• -Always sleep inside your tent
• -Never approach or feed a bear
• -Report bear sightings to your campground host

Take precautions while hiking

• -Stay alert at dawn and dusk, when bears are more active
• -Go with a group, if possible
• -Make noise as you travel through dense cover
• -Stay away from animal carcasses
• -Store food, trash and scented items (like sunscreen) in airtight plastic bags
• -Keep kids in the center of the group

Get more tips here: https://wildlife.utah.gov/learn-more/bear-safety.html

Tips courtesy of DWR

A young bear has been seen at Pete’s Hole campground this past Thursday and Friday. The UDWR has set a trap, but has not yet caught it. Be cautious. Keep food and scented items locked in your vehicle or a bear-proof container. Bear Safety Tips at https://t.co/cLDBF049SP pic.twitter.com/9J0Vs0TIlh

— Manti-La Sal NF (@ml_nf) July 1, 2018