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Tips to limit bear encounter risks

  • by Guest Contributor
  • July 12, 2022
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USDA FOREST SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

Bears have been reported at numerous campsites across the Allegheny National Forest. Dispersed campsites along Forest Road 259 and Forest Road 160 have had increased bear activity, with bears entering campsites, taking food, and damaging property.

Bears are always searching for food. They are intelligent animals and have great memories. Most bears are wary of humans and will try to avoid them, but bears can also learn to associate people with food. When bears associate people with food, they can lose their natural fear of humans and even enter sites when people are present.

These interactions are not only dangerous for people, but for the bears as well. When bears continue to pose an active threat to people, they will be trapped and relocated or possibly euthanized.

We encourage people who plan to camp in the national forest to follow these guidelines to limit their risk of bear encounters:

· Do not feed wildlife.

· Keep a clean camp site.

· Do not store food or any scented items in a tent.

· Do not leave food unattended at a campsite.

· Use bear-resistant food storage containers or hang food in a bear bag.

· Do not store garbage at your camp site. Use a designated dumpster.

· At an undeveloped camping location, cook and store food away from your sleeping area.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

For more information on bear safety, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears. You may also contact any of the Forest Service offices to report bear activity.

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Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast. The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.

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Explore Landscapes & Journeys

  • Elk Country
  • Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds
  • Cook Forest and the Ancients
  • I-80 Frontier
  • Dark Skies
  • Pine Creek Valley and The PA Grand Canyon
  • Scenic Route 6
  • National Wild and Scenic Rivers
  • Kinzua Experience
  • North Country National Scenic Trail
  • Bucktail Scenic Byway
  • Elk Scenic Drive
  • West Branch Susquehanna
  • Pine Creek Rail Trail

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