Minnesota DNR Advises to Stay Bear Aware as Summer Camping Season Begins

(KNSI) — As the summer camping season gets underway, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says to be mindful of the massive creatures we share the woods with.

Minnesota is home to black bears, which are typically cautious and avoid humans, but to peacefully share the outdoors, DNR officials say it’s important to be proactive in preventing interactions.

“Coexistence with bears is completely doable with a few easy steps that anyone can follow,” said Andrew Tri, bear project leader. “The key things to remember are to not surprise them and to secure things bears view as food.”

To avoid encounters with bears. Tri says to be aware of the surroundings and make noise periodically to alert bears to your presence. Always keep dogs leashed, as letting them chase or bark at bears can provoke them. Maintain a clean camp by following leave-no-trace principles such as proper disposal of waste. Keep bears away by storing coolers in a locked vehicle or using certified bear-resistant containers. Never leave food, trash, or pet food outdoors and unattended. Avoid storing food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in tents or camping hammocks. Take food waste with you if trash containers are full, and don’t leave trash or food scraps in camp or burn them in the fire ring. Also, leave what you find, don’t feed the wildlife, and maintain a proper distance.

For more tips on safe outdoor recreation in bear country, visit the Minnesota DNR website here or the Bear Wise website here.

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