The bear was investigating the man’s camp and was thought to have injured the man when the animal pawed at the sleeping bag. Bear spray was used and the animal retreated.
The man was seen at a local hospital and released.
Based on the injuries and description, Arizona Game and Fish Department officers believe the bear was small and possibly young.
The camp area is used by the Anasazi Foundation as part of its program. After the incident, other campers and Anasazi members advised Game and Fish officers that several bears had been seen in the campground area over the Memorial Day weekend. At least three different bears were identified by the campers as coming into camp and raiding food sources, and not fully retreating when bear spray was used. Campers did not notify officials of this bear activity, vacate the area or remove the food sources after the sightings.
Arizona Game and Fish has a highly-trained team investigating the situation and will set traps in the vicinity to attempt to capture the offending bears. The department also will work with the Tonto National Forest on possible area closures.
If the offending bear(s) is captured, it will be lethally removed because of the habituated behavior it demonstrated and the public safety threat it poses.
The department asks that any nuisance bear activity be immediately reported to Game and Fish or local officials and recommends that all campers take a few simple precautions to protect both people and bears, including securing all potential food sources. Campsite food sources can include uncleaned BBQs, used plates, discarded wrappers, food stores and pet food. Bears have a very keen sense of smell – approximately seven times better than a bloodhound and 100 times better than a human.
Take these immediate steps to minimize bear encounters and keep wildlife wild:
• Keep a clean camp. Store food items and trash away from your tent or sleeping area. Even an empty food wrapper can attract a bear from a long distance.
• Wash up before going to bed to eliminate odors.
• Put food waste and garbage in a secure location such as a bear-proof dumpster.
• Carry bear spray.
• Encourage others to take these precautions. Discouraging bears from a campground requires everyone do their part.
If you encounter a bear, try to scare the bear away by making yourself look as large as possible, making loud noises and throwing objects towards it. Do not run. In the rare event of a black bear attack, fight back aggressively and use bear spray.
Arizona has had one fatal bear attack, which occurred in Pinetop in 2011. However, there are numerous reports each year of bears in close proximity to humans that could lead to serious injury or even death.
For more information or questions on living with bears and keeping wildlife wild, visit the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.