Arizona Game and Fish advises campers, hikers to remain 'bear aware' on holiday weekend

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reminding campers, hikers and anyone spending time outdoors to be “bear aware” this holiday weekend. While bears generally tend to avoid humans, they do have an affinity for people's food.

Amy Gleich is with Game and Fish.

“It's really important to keep any food source away from your tent and your camping area to keep it secure, bears have excellent sense of smell, and human food smells good to them," Gleich said.

Gleich recommends setting up a campsite away from places where bears might scavenge for food — that can include near creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears:

When camping

• Keep food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent. 
• Don't burn leftover food or trash on the grill.
• Set up a campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

When hiking

• Don’t wear scented lotions or perfumes.
• Make noise or hike in groups.
• Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times.

In case of a bear encounter

• Do NOT run.
• Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear.
• Make yourself as large and imposing as possible. Stand upright and wave your arms, jacket or other items. Make loud noises, such as yelling, whistles, and, if camping, banging pots and pans.
• Throw items and yell at the bear.
• If attacked, fight back with everything in your power – fists, sticks, rocks, and EPA-registered bear pepper spray.