The number of reports is expected to grow as bears enter hyperphagia, the period of preparing for hibernation when bears spend up to 20 hours a day on the hunt for 20,000 or more calories.
When a bear is repeatedly seen in an area, the first and best protective action a home or business owner can take is calling the local CPW office or wildlife officer immediately. This not only protects people, but it is the best way to protect bears as well.
Being “bear aware” includes easy-to-execute behaviors such as securing trash cans and dumpsters, removing bird feeders, closing garages, cleaning and locking your car and calling CPW when bears become a nuisance. If a bear presents an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.
For more information about how to stay bear aware during this busy bear season, visit bit.ly/32sm63v.