NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 28, 2025
PHOENIX – Planning to spend some time outdoors in Arizona’s high country this Labor Day weekend? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding campers, hikers and other outdoor recreationists how important it is to be “bear aware.”
While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell and affinity for food sources from humans can be problematic for both the animals and people. AZGFD officials advise those living in or visiting bear country to remove or block access to trash, food or other attractants (such as pet food or birdseed). Unfortunately, a fed bear all too often becomes a dead bear.
“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of people and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, AZGFD’s regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”
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 E.P.A.-registered bear pepper spray.
And if you live in bear country, here are some tips to secure your home
- Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
- Don’t feed bears or other wildlife. Be aware that human behaviors, such as feeding other animals, can attract black bears.
- Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.
- Hang bird feeders at least 10 feet above ground and away from buildings, including porches, and use a tray to catch spills. Take bird feeders down at night. Discontinue feeding if a bear is in the area.
- Clean barbecues and store in a secure area.
Bears exhibiting aggressive behavior toward people or hanging out in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD by calling (623) 236-7201.
AZGFD’s Living with Bears web page is a great resource for everything from bear facts to safety essentials.
AZGFD also has produced a video on how to be “bear aware.”