Beware: Bears have been coming out of their winter dens.
The first recorded bear sighting of 2018 was on March 25, in the Sierrita Mountains about 40 miles southwest of Tucson, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The second sighting was reported on April 9 in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
According to the department, you'll most likely see bears above 5,000 feet elevation. However, they can and do go lower at times.
If you're approached by a bear, make yourself as large as possible and loudly attempt to scare it off, the Game and Fish Department instructed.
If the bear still persists, back away slowly while still facing the bear. But most of all, don't play dead or run away.
If you see a bear, call 623-236-7201.
Be "Bear Aware" out there. First of 2018 sighted out of winter dens. Most common above elev: 5,000' but can & do go lower. If seen call 623-236-7201 24&7. If approached, "get big" and loudly scare off. If it persists, back away slowly while facing it. Don't play dead or run. pic.twitter.com/0IOEjTC53y
— AZ Game & Fish Dept (@azgfdTucson) April 9, 2018
