Two hiking trails in the Santa Rita Mountains were temporarily closed to the public Saturday morning, after a "nuisance" bear approached a group of hikers, officials said.
Old Baldy Trail and Super Trail, located in the Coronado National Forest, are both closed from the trailheads to Josephine Saddle until further notice, said Heidi Schewel, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman, in a news release Saturday.
A map provided by the service indicated that the closure would remain in effect through Friday.
Officials with the Arizona Game and Fish Department sent out a news release Thursday, warning campers and hikers that the bear had been spotted in Madera Canyon three times since Sept. 30.
The bear was most recently spotted on Old Baldy Trail near Bellow Springs, after it approached a group of hikers on the trail, Schewel said.
The bear is described as medium size and dark brown or black colored.
Hikers are advised to change their route if bears are spotted in the distance, and to avoid all contact with any wildlife whenever possible.
"If approached by a bear, hikers should 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," Schewel said.
If the bear doesn't leave, it's best to stay calm, face the animal and back away slowly. Running is not advised, and a person should "never play dead in the presence of a bear," Schewel said.
Bear sightings should be reported immediately to Arizona Game and Fish Department atΒ 623-236-7201.
Black bears usually avoid people, but are attracted to human food and trash.Β Campers are encouraged to:
- Maintain a clean camp or picnic site.
- Keep food items in airtight containers, and discard of fruit and scraps properly.
- Stow food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of smell-range of bears.
- Utilize bear-proof food and trash receptacles where provided.
- Wash and stow cooking utensils immediately following use.
- Do not take odorous items (toothpaste, lotions, etc.) or clothing used while cooking into tents.
- Keep pets leashed.
