Hikers reported a "nuisance" bear in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains three times since Friday, and Arizona Game and Fish officials are asking the public to be aware.
The bear is described as dark brown to black and of medium size, possibly weighing 200 pounds, said Mark Hart, an Arizona Game and Fish spokesman, in a news release Thursday.
On Tuesday, hikers reported a bear rearing up on its hind legs in response to their presence on the Old Baldy Trail near Bellow Springs, Hart said.
Another hiker reported that a bear had approached him too closely in the same area Sunday, said Hart. A third incident involved a resting hiker who was startled by a growling bear above her in a tree last Friday.
"She backed away from it, leaving her backpack behind. The bear then ate food from the backpack, which she later recovered," said Hart.
"If this is the same bear in each case, it's behavior is very concerning," said Raul Vega, regional supervisor of Game and Fish in Tucson. Vega said the bear "may associate people with food" and that is why people should not feed wild animals.
Vega said wildlife can become aggressive in pursuing food fed to it by humans "if they become accustomed to eating it."
If hikers see bears in the distance, they need to change their route to avoid contact, said Hart. If a person is approached by a bear, "discourage contact by looking large and imposing, waving arms or a jacket, making loud noises, and giving the bear an opportunity to leave the area," Hart said.
If the bear does not leave, stay calm, face the animal, and slowly back away. Avoid running and "never play dead in the presence of a bear," said Hart in the release. He said bear sightings should be reported immediately to Game and Fish at 1-623-236-7201.
Black bears usually avoid people, but are attracted to food and trash, said Hart. He said campers should:
- Keep a clean camp or picnic site.
- Stow food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of a bear's smell range.
- Use bear-proof food and trash receptacles where provided.
- Wash and stow cooking utensils immediately.
- Do not take odorous items, such as toothpaste and lotions, or clothing used while cooking into tents.
- Keep pets leashed.
