Due to increased bear activity and visitor safety concerns, park staff closed five backcountry campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 13. The sites are located in the Wild Basin area in the southern portion of the park. These five campsites; Pine Ridge, Tahosa, Aspen Knoll, Siskin, and North St. Vrain will be closed through July 19 and reevaluated.
There have been multiple sightings of two bears since mid June in the Wild Basin area. At least one bear has received numerous food rewards both at a backcountry campsite and at residences and businesses outside of the park. Three of the five campsites mentioned have food storage canisters and the other two provide cables to hang food. Once bears associate humans with food it is extremely difficult to change their behavior and tragically, often times leads to a bear having to be killed because of visitor safety concerns. Visitors to the park and area neighbors are reminded of the following:
* Always follow proper food storage regulations at your campsite or residence. Improper food storage within the park will lead to citations.
* It is crucial that if you have food while you are on the trail that you practice proper food storage such as keeping all trash with you, not leaving behind any crumbs or other residue from your food.
* If you store food and coolers in your vehicle, use airtight containers placed in the trunk or out of sight. Close vehicle windows completely.
* If you are approached by a black bear, keep children beside you. Do not run but move away from the bear. If a bear approaches you, stand up tall, and make loud noises; shout, clap hands, or clang pots and pans. If attacked, fight back.
For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park information office at (970) 586-1206.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
