07-17-2007, 12:10 AM
Wildlife and public lands managers are urging campers and anglers to be vigilant to prevent bears, skunks, rodents and other wildlife from being attracted to campsites and fishing areas in Colorado.
Recently, at Haviland Lake north of Durango bears have been attracted to piles of fish guts, bait, food and trash left on the bank by anglers and other people using the lake. If fish are cleaned on the bank of a lake or river, anglers should dispose of the waste at the campground dumpster or at home. No trash of any kind should be left on the ground in forest lands.
"Bears are walking noses," said Patt Dorsey, area wildlife manager in Durango for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. "Fish, bait and trash produce strong odors. When bears smell food they will travel for miles to find it. And when they arrive at campgrounds or public fishing areas conflicts with humans can occur."
Dorsey suggests that anglers carry a plastic bag in which to place fish remnants during the outing.
In the back country, fish guts should be buried at least 200 feet from any stream, lake or campsite.
"Besides attracting bears, trash in a recreation area is unsightly," said Mena Showman, a recreation program leader for the San Juan National Forest. "Forest service recreation areas are for everyone. We ask that everyone do their part to keep public lands free of all types of trash."
With Haviland Lake located adjacent to a United States Forest Service campground, bears have also been attracted to human food at the area which holds 45 campsites.
Showman explained that the dumpster at the Haviland Lake Campground is "bear proof." The campground, however, is filled with the aroma of food during the summer. Campers are reminded that campground rules require that sites be kept clean and that all food is stored in locked vehicles when not being prepared or eaten. The forest service will issue citations to those who are not abiding by campground rules.
"People don't realize that even little things can get a bear's attention. At one site campers left an onion on the table and that attracted a bear," Showman said.
People should not keep food inside their tents, or sleep in clothes they wore while cooking.
Allow barbecue grills to run for a few minutes after food is cooked to burn off fat and food remnants.
Pet food and dishes should be put away immediately after your pet has eaten.
In the back country, hang food well away from camp sites.
Bear activity in residential areas and campgrounds throughout Colorado appears to be higher than during the last few years. Everyone who lives in bear country is asked to secure food, garbage and other attractants. There are only an estimated 14,000 bears in Colorado; and bears that get into conflicts with humans must be killed.
"Bears need food to survive," Dorsey said. "We all need to keep attractants locked up, so that bears continue to seek traditional bear foods in their natural habitat."
Here are a few tips for "bear proofing" your property:
Recently, at Haviland Lake north of Durango bears have been attracted to piles of fish guts, bait, food and trash left on the bank by anglers and other people using the lake. If fish are cleaned on the bank of a lake or river, anglers should dispose of the waste at the campground dumpster or at home. No trash of any kind should be left on the ground in forest lands.
"Bears are walking noses," said Patt Dorsey, area wildlife manager in Durango for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. "Fish, bait and trash produce strong odors. When bears smell food they will travel for miles to find it. And when they arrive at campgrounds or public fishing areas conflicts with humans can occur."
Dorsey suggests that anglers carry a plastic bag in which to place fish remnants during the outing.
In the back country, fish guts should be buried at least 200 feet from any stream, lake or campsite.
"Besides attracting bears, trash in a recreation area is unsightly," said Mena Showman, a recreation program leader for the San Juan National Forest. "Forest service recreation areas are for everyone. We ask that everyone do their part to keep public lands free of all types of trash."
With Haviland Lake located adjacent to a United States Forest Service campground, bears have also been attracted to human food at the area which holds 45 campsites.
Showman explained that the dumpster at the Haviland Lake Campground is "bear proof." The campground, however, is filled with the aroma of food during the summer. Campers are reminded that campground rules require that sites be kept clean and that all food is stored in locked vehicles when not being prepared or eaten. The forest service will issue citations to those who are not abiding by campground rules.
"People don't realize that even little things can get a bear's attention. At one site campers left an onion on the table and that attracted a bear," Showman said.
People should not keep food inside their tents, or sleep in clothes they wore while cooking.
Allow barbecue grills to run for a few minutes after food is cooked to burn off fat and food remnants.
Pet food and dishes should be put away immediately after your pet has eaten.
In the back country, hang food well away from camp sites.
Bear activity in residential areas and campgrounds throughout Colorado appears to be higher than during the last few years. Everyone who lives in bear country is asked to secure food, garbage and other attractants. There are only an estimated 14,000 bears in Colorado; and bears that get into conflicts with humans must be killed.
"Bears need food to survive," Dorsey said. "We all need to keep attractants locked up, so that bears continue to seek traditional bear foods in their natural habitat."
Here are a few tips for "bear proofing" your property: