Post by Greg Stamper on May 27, 2015 12:14:01 GMT -5
News release - Forest visitors reminded of food storage order, tips to prevent black bear encounters
May 26, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Kimberly Bonaccorso
Public Affairs Specialist
Daniel Boone National Forest
859-745-3100
Steven Dobey
Bear Program Coordinator
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
800-858-1549
Forest visitors reminded of food storage order, tips to prevent black bear encounters
WINCHESTER, Ky., May 26, 2015 – Daniel Boone National Forest officials are reminding visitors that food storage requirements apply when camping or picnicking in the national forest.
“This policy is designed to help prevent negative encounters with black bears,” said Forest Biologist Sandie Kilpatrick. “By adhering to the food storage order, visitors can reduce the chance for such encounters and promote a safer environment for themselves and others.”
Visitors must store food inside a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container when not cooking or eating. Burning or burying food, trash or any other bear attractant is prohibited.
If a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container is not available, campers and picnickers must store food and garbage by suspending at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any tree or pole.
A bear attractant is any substance with an odor that may attract bears. Food, cooking oil, toothpaste, soap and garbage are considered attractants.
The Forest Service has installed bear-resistant trash cans at most developed campgrounds and picnic areas. These containers must be used for garbage disposal where they occur in the national forest.
“The black bear population in eastern Kentucky continues to grow, and our national forest provides excellent habitat,” added Kilpatrick. “We just need to become more bear-aware and use caution when visiting their home.”
To avoid human-bear conflicts, see the following tips.
• Never feed a bear. In Kentucky, feeding bears is illegal.
• When camping or picnicking, follow food storage policies. In remote locations, suspend food and garbage off the ground and away way from the supporting tree or pole.
• Never store food or other potential bear attractants inside your tent. Cook food and eat in locations away from your sleeping area.
• Store food and garbage up to 100 yards away from your campsite.
• Never approach a bear. If you accidently come upon a bear, back away slowly. Do not run; this could prompt a chase.
• If a bear approaches you, make lots of noise. Remain standing upright. Never lay down to play dead or turn your back on an approaching black bear.
Any conflict with a black bear should be reported to the nearest U.S. Forest Service office or to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. In case of an emergency, call 911.
May 26, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Kimberly Bonaccorso
Public Affairs Specialist
Daniel Boone National Forest
859-745-3100
Steven Dobey
Bear Program Coordinator
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
800-858-1549
Forest visitors reminded of food storage order, tips to prevent black bear encounters
WINCHESTER, Ky., May 26, 2015 – Daniel Boone National Forest officials are reminding visitors that food storage requirements apply when camping or picnicking in the national forest.
“This policy is designed to help prevent negative encounters with black bears,” said Forest Biologist Sandie Kilpatrick. “By adhering to the food storage order, visitors can reduce the chance for such encounters and promote a safer environment for themselves and others.”
Visitors must store food inside a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container when not cooking or eating. Burning or burying food, trash or any other bear attractant is prohibited.
If a hardtop vehicle or bear-resistant container is not available, campers and picnickers must store food and garbage by suspending at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any tree or pole.
A bear attractant is any substance with an odor that may attract bears. Food, cooking oil, toothpaste, soap and garbage are considered attractants.
The Forest Service has installed bear-resistant trash cans at most developed campgrounds and picnic areas. These containers must be used for garbage disposal where they occur in the national forest.
“The black bear population in eastern Kentucky continues to grow, and our national forest provides excellent habitat,” added Kilpatrick. “We just need to become more bear-aware and use caution when visiting their home.”
To avoid human-bear conflicts, see the following tips.
• Never feed a bear. In Kentucky, feeding bears is illegal.
• When camping or picnicking, follow food storage policies. In remote locations, suspend food and garbage off the ground and away way from the supporting tree or pole.
• Never store food or other potential bear attractants inside your tent. Cook food and eat in locations away from your sleeping area.
• Store food and garbage up to 100 yards away from your campsite.
• Never approach a bear. If you accidently come upon a bear, back away slowly. Do not run; this could prompt a chase.
• If a bear approaches you, make lots of noise. Remain standing upright. Never lay down to play dead or turn your back on an approaching black bear.
Any conflict with a black bear should be reported to the nearest U.S. Forest Service office or to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. In case of an emergency, call 911.