The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds anglers, campers and hikers enjoying California's back country to follow simple precautions to limit bear encounters. A key element to safe recreating and camping in bear country is limiting food odors that attract bears.

"Problems begin when bears learn to associate an easy food supply with humans and developed areas," said Doug Updike, DFG state-wide bear program coordinator. "Once this happens the bear becomes habituated or conditioned to go after human food because it's easy. If people don't change their ways, the bear won't either."

California's bear population is growing and is currently estimated to be between 25,000 and 35,000 bears. Bears are located throughout most of California where suitable habitat exists. Homes and communities from Bradbury in Southern California to Crescent City in Northern California have expanded into bear habitat. Bear encounters are not isolated to wilderness settings.

Food is cited in the majority of public safety incidents involving bears. The access to human food from garbage overflowing a campground or residential dumpster to candy bars and sandwiches hidden in a tent are the main ingredients. Many people do not realize feeding wildlife provides false food sources, habituates animals to humans and can change animal behavior from foraging for food to trying to take it away from humans.

DFG's Keep Me Wild campaign was developed to help address the increasing number of conflicts between black bears and people. The campaign provides important tips for living and recreating safely near bear habitat, and advice on what to do if you encounter one of these wild animals.

Visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html for more information on keeping bears and other wildlife away from your home and in the wild.

Bear Country Precautions
?Ģ Keep a close watch on children, and teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.B ?Ģ While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
?Ģ Never keep food in your tent.
?Ģ Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.
?Ģ Keep a clean camp by cleaning up and storing food and garbage immediately after meals.
?Ģ Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.
?Ģ Don't bury or burn excess food; bears will still be attracted to the residual smell.
?Ģ Garbage should be packed out of camp if no trash receptacles are available.
?Ģ Never approach a bear or pick up a bear cub.
?Ģ If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible.
?Ģ If attacked, fight back.
?Ģ If a bear attacks a person, immediately call 911.

If a bear behaves aggressively, contact the DFG 24-hour dispatch center at (916) 445-0045. Threats to public safety will be assessed and appropriate action will be taken.