What Should You Do If You Encounter A Bear?
Jun 19, 2019, 6:33 AM | Updated: 6:38 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – There’s been a renewed interest in bear safety following an incident where a boy was scratched by a black bear, prompting officials to find the bear and euthanize it.
Black bears are the only bears that currently inhabit Utah, although the term “black bear” is a bit of a misnomer. The colors of these bears can vary, from white to black to various shades of brown between.
What precautions should you take?
- If you’re camping, you should store food in your vehicle or a bear-safe container. Never store food in a tent.
- Stay alert at dawn and dusk, which are when the bears are the most active.
- Carry bear spray.
- Keep children in the center of the group, whether while hiking or while sleeping in a tent.
What should you do if you encounter a bear?
- Stand your ground. Never back up, lie down, or play dead.
- Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave.
- Don’t run away. You will not be able to outrun a bear.
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