[August 12, 2011] Rise in bear activity in Arizona, New Mexico Tweet Aug 12, 2011 (The Arizona Daily Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Be "bear aware" if you go for a hike, picnic or camping trip this weekend. That's the advice from U.S. Forest Service officials, who warn that bear activity, sightings and interactions with people have increased recently on forest lands in Arizona and New Mexico. "Prevention is critical in avoiding human-bear conflicts," said Heidi Schewel, a spokeswoman for the Forest Service. "When bears acquire a taste for human food or garbage, they tend to return to places it was obtained, which can increase their exposure to humans," Schewel said. "Eventually they may lose their fear of humans, which can lead to unwanted interaction and conflicts." Schewel said the apparent increase in bear activity and movement could be a result of widespread drought and numerous forest fires earlier this year. Drought, fire and other factors can lead to changes in animal activity patterns. BEAR ESSENTIALS Forest Service officials said the following measures can reduce the risk of attracting bears. At campgrounds and picnic sites: --Keep a clean site. Use bear-proof food storage boxes and trash cans. Food should never be stored inside a tent. --If bear-proof boxes or trash cans aren't available, lock trash out of sight and smell range inside a vehicle. --Don't take clothes used while cooking inside a tent. --Do not take items with strong odors such as toothpaste or soap inside a tent. --Food and coolers should never be left unattended. --Don't leave trash in or around fire rings or grills. --If a bear is observed nearby, pack up any food and trash immediately. --If a bear approaches, move away slowly and enter a vehicle or secure area. In the backcountry: --Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. --Hang food, garbage and anything with strong odors at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet from a tree or limb. Use food storage boxes and cable systems if available. --Cook and eat food well away from your tent. --Don't take clothes used while cooking inside a tent. --Avoid camping or hiking alone in back country. --Make noise to avoid surprising a bear. --Never approach a bear. If a bear approaches you, back away slowly. Don't run. --Avoid hiking in the dark, which increases the chances of encountering a bear. --Carry pepper spray registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. --Pack trash out. Don't bury it. --Keep children close at hand and don't bring pets. They can attract bears. --Be on the lookout for bear signs: scat, claw marks or an indication of digging. Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at [email protected] or at 573-4192. To see more of The Arizona Daily Star, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.azstarnet.com. Copyright (c) 2011, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]