In light of the Carbon County couple killing a black bear in self-defense for breaking into their home, we wanted to highlight ways to avoid scenarios like these. 

Bears often get into attractants which can lead them to neighborhood's, trails and trashcans. Groceries, pet-food, garbage and more can potentially increase bear activity. Once a bear realizes it can get food from a certain source, it will continue coming back.

Garbage: 

Though bear attractants can be a wide variety of things, a common one is garbage. If possible, bear-resistant garbage bins are a super proactive way to avoid bears getting into it. Ideally you would store the bin inside of a locked/closed building until the day of disposal. Same goes with pet/and or livestock feed. For all food storage tips, click here. 

Entry-Access

Many bears that enter into your homes do so through open windows and unlocked doors. Keep that in mind in the summer. Close all doors and bear-accessible windows before you go to bed or leave your home if possible. Same goes with garage doors, don’t leave your garage door open when you’re not outside. 

Outside-Attractants

Often, bear attractants can be found outside homes as well as inside.

- Don’t store food of any kind in an unlocked garage, flimsy shed or on or under your deck. Don’t leave anything with an odor outside, near open windows or in your vehicle, even if you’re home. That includes scented candles, air fresheners, soaps and lotions. 

Bear-Activity

Having bear spray while your out is a must, and can be beneficial to have in your home as well. However, don't ever spray it inside your home. 

If you observe a bear, either if it’s on your property or someone else’s property, getting into a home, getting into a vehicle, report these incidents to either FWP or your county's dispatch office. 

To view more tips on bear safety from FWP, click here.

To view MTN's original report on the Carbon County incident, click here.

📷: Black Bear NPS/Adams