New food storage rules in National Forest aim to save bear lives

EVERETT — Hungry black bears have been getting into trouble in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Following an increase in sightings and human-bear interactions, the U.S. Forest Service has issued new food storage rules for the area. The agency had to close camping around Middle Fork Campground last year due to bears doing what bears do best — eat.

The problem? Too much exposure to human food. As some bears have gotten into tents, coolers and cars, they become accustomed to human food and continue to seek it out.

Those bears are moved to new locations, if possible. If they keep returning for human food following a relocation, they are typically euthanized. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife receives about 500 complaints annually about bears.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-food-storage-rules-in-national-forest-aim-to-save-bear-lives/