Be Aware of Bear: Whether Camping, Hiking, Backpacking or Fishing This Summer, a Little Common Sense Goes a Long Way Toward Avoiding Bear Problems

I grew up camping and I love it to this day. One of my most vivid memories, however, is of the night in Yosemite National Park when a bear tore apart a campsite less than 100 feet from ours.

I may have been six, perhaps seven at the time. My father raced out of the tent into the darkness to help, and I'll never forget the screams of the two youngsters camped there with their parents. Luckily no one was hurt, but the campsite was wrecked and the family's vacation ruined.

"The root cause of most conflicts between bears and people, especially in camping areas, is food. Bears can't change their behavior, but people can," says Bruce Sitko, an Arizona Game and Fish Department public information officer.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department suggests outdoorsmen should: Never intentionally feed wildlife; secure all garbage; keep a clean camp; never cook in your tent or sleeping area.; and store all food, toiletries and other scented items well away from sleeping areas and unavailable to bears.

Toothpaste is an often-overlooked bear attractant. A mint-flavored toothpaste can smell like a sweet treat to a bear. The same holds true for cologne or mouthwash-so store them well away from your tent instead of inviting disaster and rinse well prior to retiring for the evening.

Officials from Arizona recommend that you, "Wash up, change clothing, and remove all scented articles before retiring to your sleeping area."

In New Mexico a chance encounter between a bear and hiker nearly turned into disaster recently. A press release from the New Mexico Game and Fish Department explained: The hiker who came upon a black bear May 6 in the Sandias put himself in danger because he wasn't sure what to do when encountering a bear or other large predator. The man ran from the bear, and the bear followed him. Fortunately, he was able to contact Department of Game and Fish Conservation Officer Darrell Cole on his cell phone, and Cole advised him to hold his ground and fight back by throwing rocks at the bear. The strategy worked. The bear sniffed a rock and walked away, and the hiker returned home with a good story.

"Bear attacks are rare, but whenever you come across a bear, it's very important not to run, no matter how scared you may be," Cole said. "Running may prompt a bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear."

Arizona and New Mexico have black bears, which are common in the lower 48 states. Strategies for surviving grizzly, brown and polar bear attacks are different, and outdoorsmen headed into their territory should familiarize themselves with them prior to leaving.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish publishes a booklet, "Living with Large Predators," which is available on the Department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, or by calling (505) 476-8000.

If you encounter a black bear, New Mexico authorities advise you should:

--Stop, and back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, as the bear may consider that a threat.

--Never get between a mother bear and her cubs.

--If the bear has not seen you, stay calm and slowly move away, making noise so the bear knows you are there.

--Do not run. Make yourself appear large by holding out your jacket. If you have small children, pick them up so they don't run.

--Give the bear plenty of room to escape, so it doesn't feel threatened or trapped. If you are on a trail, step off on the downhill side and slowly move away.

--If a black bear attacks you, fight back using anything at your disposal, such as rocks, sticks, binoculars or even your bare hands. Aim for the bear's nose and eyes.

Arizona's wildlife professionals add that you should always walk or jog in groups, watch your surroundings, supervise your children and keep your pets on a leash. More information on avoiding bear confrontations is available at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.