The drought conditions throughout Utah are going to affect the state in many ways, but did you realize it would bring us into conflict with bears? According to a press release from the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, the drought will have a big impact on plants and other root-like vegetation which is 90% of a black bear’s diet. Darren DeBloosis, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources game mammals coordinator, says that “even though they’re incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people. When a bear finds food, though, that all changes. Once it finds food, a bear will often become aggressive toward anything it perceives as threatening the area where it found the food — that includes people.” If recreating in their territory, or living in foothills or canyons be sure to bear-proof food and supplies, keep cooking area clean, keep campsite clean, be sure never to feed a bear, bear-proof outdoor garbage cans, and remove or secure items that will attract a bear to a home. Such items include birdfeeders, fruit trees, compost piles, beehives, pet food, unsupervised outdoor pets at night, and barbecue grills.
