14 tips to stay safe as bears become more active in Arizona

Keeping bears away from your home

1. Take outdoor bird feeders down at night.

2. Keep all trash in a secured location until your trash is collected. If that’s not possible, keep your food waste in a bag in the freezer until pick-up day.

3. Don't leave uneaten pet or livestock food out for extended periods of time.

Keeping bears away while camping

1. Don't burn food scraps or trash at your grill or campfire.

2. Keep food and other animal attractants secured and out of reach of bears. Do not keep food inside your tent.

3. Set up your campsite away from wet places where bears often search for food, such as creeks and rivers.

Tips when hiking

1. Make noise while you hike or hike in groups.

2. Don’t wear strongly-scented lotions, deodorant, body sprays or perfumes.

3. Always keep your pet on a leash when taking them on a hike.

What do to if you encounter a bear

1. Do not run, that could cause the bear to chase you.

2. If attacked, do not play dead. Fight back instead.

4. Attempt to deter the bear, then back away slowly facing forward if the bear keeps approaching.

5. Make yourself look as big as possible by raising your arms or pulling your shirt or jacket higher than your head. 

6. Throw items such as rocks or sticks and yell at the bear.