Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in this country. Located in the southwestern region of the United States, it is one of the Four Corners states that borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and California. It also has a 389-mile international border with the states of Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. Known for its desert climate as well as an abundance of national forests, parks, monuments, and Indian reservations, it is considered as one of the best places to go camping.

Summer is the most popular season for camping in Arizona. With its astounding natural beauty, many are enticed to go camping in this state. However, while its beauty is truly a wondrous gift, it is very important to know that this place is also abundant with dangerous bears.

Bear activity especially increases during the summer since this is the time when young bears leave their mothers to hunt for food and establish their territories. And because these animals have a keen sense of smell, they can easily be drawn to the smell of food in the campgrounds.

While bear attacks are common in this state, it is important to remember that these attacks can be prevented with correct practice and proper measures. Here are some effective ways to prevent bears from coming into your campsite.

1. Don’t feed wildlife. It may seem inviting especially for children to feed the animals in the wildlife but this is never encouraged. Be sure to tell children not to feed wildlife even if they seem to be asking for food.
2. Secure all garbage. Garbage usually contains leftover foods that bears get to smell if not properly secured.
3. Clean up the camp. From the dome tents to the kitchen area, make sure that everything is spick and span especially after eating. This is to ensure that no trace of food is left at the campsite for the bears to smell.
4. Do not cook in your tent or sleeping area. Not only is it completely unsafe to cook inside camping tents, this can also attract bears to come near your sleeping area. Also, never eat inside the tents. You are lucky if the crumbs only attract ants, as you only have to worry about small bites on your back, but what if the bears smell the food inside your tent and attack you while sleeping? That would be one scenario you never want to experience.
5. Keep all food and other scented items far from the sleeping areas. Store the food inside sealed containers and put them inside the coolers. Keep the coolers in the trunk of the car to prevent the scent from attracting bears.
6. Walk or hike in group. Never go hiking alone even if you deem that you are an expert hiker. Make sure that you pay attention to your surroundings while hiking. Go back to the campsite immediately if you suspect anything unusual.

Just in case you encounter a black bear during your camping trip in Arizona, do not run. Be sure to stay calm and slowly back away from it. Don’t drop and play dead either. This can be a very dangerous tactic. Make loud noises by shouting or banging pans to drive the bear away. Don’t forget to notify the campground authority regarding the incident.

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