New video highlights wildlife managers keeping communities safe and tips for preventing human-bear interactions
Contributed Article/Courtesy AZGFD
PINETOP — Summer is the peak season for black bear activity in rural communities across Arizona. As hungry bears scour the landscape for their next meal, the chance rises that they will wander into populated areas and become a threat to public safety.
In a new video produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the agency’s wildlife managers explain how they manage the state’s wild bear population and the actions that those living in bear country can take to protect their communities.
While bears are typically shy and avoid humans, their strong sense of smell can lead them into cities and towns in search of an easy meal. AZGFD officials advise those living in or visiting bear country to remove or block access to trash, food, or other attractants (such as pet food or bird seed).
A bear’s behavior can be unpredictable and dangerous. When bears frequently forage in populated areas, they can lose their fear of humans and become a serious risk to the public. This habituation to people can lead to the bear being trapped and relocated, or in some cases, lethally removed.
“Bears are dangerous. They might look cute or cuddly, but they certainly have the capacity to inflict harm on humans,” said Paul Greer, wildlife manager supervisor at AZGFD’s Region 1 office in Pinetop.
“If humans do their part, then the bears may pass through without getting the reward of those attractants, the trash and the human sources of food — the bears will just move on,” said Greer.
Before bears become habituated to populated areas, here are tips on how to keep bears wild:
- Place your trash on the curb for pickup the morning of collection, not the night before.
- Secure trash in a building, trash enclosure, or with bear-resistant straps and latches.
- Consider attracting birds without food: supply shelter, water, and natural food sources like seed-producing flowers.
- Bird feeders should be elevated and at the end of a long branch that is not accessible to bears.
- Pet food or water should not be left outside and accessible to wildlife.
- Clean and securely store grills after every use, and ensure all fat and food particles are removed.
- “Scare the bear” whenever it is near human-related food sources, and you are in a safe position to do so.
- Refer to the Living with Bears webpage to learn more.
Unacceptable bear behavior, such as entering or attempting to enter human dwellings, tents, or vehicles, approaching a human after it becomes aware of the human’s presence, and any other aggressive behavior, should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. In an emergency, call 911.
People should also call to report situations where bears continue to frequent and access human attractants after measures have been taken to secure the attractant.
