ONTONAGON, MICH. -- Officials at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are asking visitors to practice a few extra precautions, as reports of black bear activity have been higher than usual in the region this summer.
Park manager Mike Knack said that in recent weeks there have been increased bear sightings and many instances of bears searching for food in the park’s Union Bay campground as well as in a neighboring private campground along the Union River.
Bears have been breaking into campers’ coolers, ripping open trash bags, and even climbing into the beds of pickup trucks to reach improperly stored food or garbage, Knack said.
“On some nights more than a dozen coolers have been raided by a bear,” he said. “They’re incredibly smart and they will take every opportunity they can to get a free meal.”
The Porkies typically averages 12 to 30 bears, but this year it appears the region has 30-plus bears, Knack said. Additionally, the region’s dry conditions this summer may have led to fewer wild berries — one of black bears’ typical food sources — which might be the impetus behind more campground raids. With rain in the forecast, Knack is hopeful the bears will return to snacking on their usual forest food sources soon.
In the meantime, park staff has set out signage to remind visitors to correctly store food, coolers, trash and scented items: Inside vehicles with windows secured, or in a bear-proof garbage can or dumpster. Campers who violate food storage rules may be given a citation or have their coolers removed by park staff.
Beyond these hungry bear break-ins, human-bear interactions are usually very rare at the park, Knack said.
“Visitors may just get lucky and get a glimpse of one, which is a fun and cool experience,” he said.
Bears usually scurry away if you come across them while on a trail. If a bear stands its ground, Knack recommends making yourself appear as large and as loud as possible, waiving your hands in the air and shouting. If the bear still doesn’t move, then it’s time to slowly back away and leave the area. Bear spray and bear bells generally aren’t necessary, but can provide an extra sense of security, he said — as does making sure to hike with a buddy, which is always a smart idea in the Porkies’ wilderness.
“You may see less wildlife when traveling in pairs just because of the noise, but if you’re a little bit nervous about bears or it’s your first time traveling through bear country, it’s definitely your best option,” he said.
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