Northern Arizona is a popular destination for summer getaways. It’s also home to black bears. As travelers vacation for the holiday weekend, Game and Fish is reminding them to be “Bear Aware.”
Black bears are typically shy and avoid humans, but they have an excellent sense of smell. Michael Colaianni with Game and Fish said there are a number of proactive steps visitors can take to avoid encounters.
"The number one tip that we like to give folks is to never feed a bear, right,” Colaianni said. “Because unfortunately if a bear starts getting its food from a human source, then they kind of lose their fear of humans, and that’s when they can become a threat to public safety.”
If you do come across a bear, don't run. The best thing is to make yourself as intimidating as possible.
Colaianni said anybody who spots a bear should contact Game and Fish at their 24/7 access line: 623-236-7201.
-
A desert biome habitat at the University of Arizona now houses an endangered fish species known as the Sonoyta pupfish. The habitat is located in the university’s Biosphere 2, an earth and environmental science research laboratory. -
An aviation service for pets and their owners plans to expand to the Scottsdale Airport in 2026. The service, known as RetrievAir, operates out of a handful of U.S. cities, allowing passengers to fly side-by-side with their furry companions. -
A new study finds that what Americans eat — particularly beef — plays a major role in carbon emissions in cities. And cities in the Mountain West rank among those most heavily impacted. -
Many experts have concluded the planet is in the midst of a mass extinction event — during which large numbers of plant and animal species die off in a relatively short time. But a new study from a pair of University of Arizona researchers suggests an accurate assessment may require different methodology. -
Drought and steady demand along the Colorado River are draining the nation's second-largest reservoir. Land that was once submerged is now full of beavers and thriving ecosystems.
