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Staying safe in bear country

Tips for recreating in Idaho
Posted at 8:48 AM, Aug 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-04 10:48:35-04
A man was attacked by a bear while jogging recently in North Idaho and sightings have prompted a closure at a popular campground near Lowman. 
 
While recreating in Idaho, there's a chance a bear could be nearby. In the Treasure Valley, many people like to head to the Bogus Basin Recreation Area to hike which Idaho Fish and Game says is bear country. 
 
It's the time of year where bears are moving around and looking for food. 
 
While out hiking, it's always a good idea to make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it. 
 
If you're camping in an area where there are bears, you'll always want to secure your food. Idaho Fish and Game says once a bear gets food from an area, they will come back to that spot. 
 
"Once they get that food reward, they will come back and you'll have additional problems and other campers will have additional problems and then the end result of that is the bear has to be put down for reasons of human safety," said Evin Oneale, Regional Conservation Educator, Southwest Idaho. 
 
Also make sure to secure garbage. Most established campgrounds have bear resistant garbage facilities. Idaho Fish and Game says if you see a bear from a distance leave it alone.