Black bears have been showing up recently in populated areas around Arizona. One bear was found in a tree at an elementary school in Page. Another got into a grocery store in Oro Valley.
Michael Colaianni with the Arizona Game and Fish Department said they’re active at this time of year ahead of hibernation.
He said a dry summer means fewer acorns in bear habitat in the White Mountains, so they’re getting into more populated areas.
"Our more forest areas in the state — particularly up in the Prescott area and then of course in the Show Low Pinetop areas — really received very little rainfall during this monsoon season," he said.
Colaianni said to keep bears away, do not leave pet food outdoors, secure garbage, keep your barbecue grill clean and remove bird feeders at night.
He said bear activity will start to slow down when the weather cools next month.
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