Be Bear Aware — a reminder from the firefighting crews on the Little Giant Fire
information released
A curious bear gave crews an unexpected reminder about the importance of staying bear aware yesterday when it investigated a medical transportation vehicle near Fish Lake.
While encounters like this can be exciting to see, bears are wild animals and can pose serious risks when they become accustomed to people or associate human activity with food. Keeping wildlife wild helps protect both people and animals.
Firefighters and incident crews are taking steps to discourage wildlife from entering camp and work areas by promptly removing potential food sources and keeping facilities clean.
“Crews have been doing a great job keeping trash picked up and removing temptations that would encourage wildlife encounters,” said Blaine Dohman, a paramedic assigned to the Little Giant Fire and captain with Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
Members of the public can also help reduce the potential for human-wildlife conflicts by following these basic bear awareness practices:
- Secure attractants: Keep food, garbage and scented items secured in bear-resistant containers or inside a vehicle when not in use.
- Keep areas clean: Dispose of trash promptly in designated bear-resistant receptacles. Never leave food or garbage unattended.
- Give bears space: Never approach, feed, follow or crowd a bear for photos. If you encounter a bear, give it plenty of room to move away.
- Keep wildlife wild: Do not intentionally attract bears or other wildlife to homes or public spaces.
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