Due to several factors — including ongoing severe drought conditions — the number of bear incidents requiring the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to respond this year has doubled from last year. Here are a few important things to know to help prevent conflicts with bears.
Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah, and they live and roam across much of the state. Warm weather conditions this spring, followed by several hard freezes, and then extreme heat and drought conditions have impacted plants — such as berries and acorns — and other root-like vegetation. These food sources make up 90% of a black bear's diet. As a result, bears have been seeking alternate food sources in other areas this year, which has led them to migrate into lower-elevation areas, including several neighborhoods across Utah.
"The extreme conditions have led to this year having the highest number of bears in cities that we've ever had in Utah," DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson said. "The weather this year has unfortunately had huge impacts on the normal food supply for bears, and they are scavenging in unusual areas. The likelihood of seeing a bear in places you wouldn't think they would be is dramatically higher this year. Unfortunately, their search for food has created some conflicts in some of these areas."
As of Aug. 25, DWR biologists and other partnering law enforcement agencies have responded 168 times so far this year to bear issues across the state. In 2025, the DWR responded 83 times to bear issues in Utah.
Black bear populations are hard to gather specific numbers for, so DWR biologists use population models using harvest data to provide trend estimates. Based on those trends, there are more bears in Utah than there were 30 years ago. As Utah's the population continues to increase, as well, much of the growth is occurring in canyons and foothills, which are natural habitat areas for bears.
"Even though they're incredibly strong and surprisingly fast, black bears will typically do everything they can to avoid people," Wilson said. "When a bear finds food, though, that can all change. A bear may become aggressive toward animals or people it perceives as threatening the area where it found the food."
Utah is not the only state that has been dealing with a large number of bear incidents this year. Colorado has reported record numbers of bear conflicts, and a person was recently killed by a black bear in New Mexico.
"With some of these conflicts, we do sometimes euthanize the bears rather than relocate them," Wilson said. "These decisions follow policy and are not made lightly. A bear will be euthanized any time it injures a person, to prevent future danger to the public. Additionally, bears may also be euthanized if they act aggressively toward people, show little fear of people, continue to return to areas with people, or if they have caused significant property damage to a dwelling or structure. A bear may also be euthanized rather than relocated if it is in poor health or its chance of survival is low. In Utah, we don't have any certified rehabilitators equipped to house and care for bears or other predator animals, and zoos or other accredited facilities are not always a viable option because they have limited space and capacity for accepting new wildlife."
Relocation is also not always a viable option because some black bears that are relocated end up migrating back into areas with people. In May, a black bear migrated into Park City. DWR biologists responded, captured the bear and relocated it to the Avintaquin Mountain area. In August, that same bear migrated into the Vivian Park community in Provo Canyon.
Utahns can help bears by not feeding them and by removing items that may attract them to the area.
SAFETY TIPS FOR NEIGHBORHOODS/CABINS
Utah is bear country, and especially so if you live in the foothills or other mountainous parts of the state. It is important to properly secure or clean anything in your yard that may attract a bear. Some of these include:
- Birdfeeders (both seed and hummingbird)
- Fruit trees
- Compost piles
- Beehives
- Pet food and water bowls
- Unsupervised outdoor pets (especially at night)
- Barbecue grills
- Outdoor garbage cans
The DWR receives many reports each year of bears getting into trash cans or dumpsters in neighborhoods and at cabins. Make sure to store your trash in a secure location or bear-proof container. If you don't have access to a bear-safe garbage can or dumpster, make sure to store your garbage can in your garage and put it out for pick up in the morning, rather than the night before. Also, make sure to clean your trash container regularly to eliminate some of the odors that attract bears.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CAMPING
Bear-proof your food and supplies
Store your food, snacks and scented items (such as deodorant and toothpaste) in an area where a bear can't get to them. Do not leave them out on tables or keep them in your tent. Storing them in a locked trailer or locking them in the trunk of your car are both good options. Storing food and scented items in these areas will reduce the chance that a bear smells them. And, if a bear does make its way to the area where you're staying, if it isn't rewarded with food, it will likely move on.
Keep your campsite clean
Don't leave food scraps and other trash scattered around your campsite or cabin area. Instead, put your garbage in trash bags, and take it home with you, or use a bear-proof dumpster at the campground. Make sure to wipe down picnic tables and keep the area free of food and other debris. Don't dump oil or grease from pots or pans onto the ground. Instead, put the oil or grease in a container, and take it home with you. Always keep your campsite or cabin area clean because a dirty campsite can attract bears long after you've left.
"If a bear visits a campground after you leave and then someone comes into that area to camp, you've created a potentially dangerous situation," Wilson said.
Never feed a bear
This may seem like common sense, but it's worth noting. Although bear cubs may seem cute, you should absolutely never feed one — or an adult bear for that matter. They are wild animals and natural predators.
Once a bear loses its fear of people, wildlife biologists and conservation officers are left with something they dread — having to euthanize an animal to keep the public safe. By not providing a bear with food, you can help keep it safe too.
"We got into the wildlife profession because we love wildlife," Wilson said. "We enjoy managing and protecting animals so Utahns can get outdoors and enjoy them. Having to euthanize an animal — because someone didn't do something as simple as keeping their campsite clean and storing food in a secure area — is tough. Please don't put us in that situation."
WHEN TO REPORT A BEAR SIGHTING
If you live in the foothills or canyon areas of Utah or if you are camping, there is a chance you may see or encounter a bear. Here is when you need to report a bear sighting to the DWR:
- If a bear enters your campsite or gets into garbage or food in the campground, report it immediately to the DWR.
- Report any bear that has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits or a heavily populated community, so the DWR can address the issue and find a solution that prioritizes public safety and bear population health.
- If you see a bear in the foothills or canyon areas, it should only be reported if it's being aggressive or if it's getting into trash, fruit trees or causing damage.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR
- Stand your ground: Never back up, lie down or play dead. Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave. Prepare to use your bear spray or another deterrent.
- Don't run away or climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph — you cannot outclimb or outrun them.
- Know bear behavior. If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it's not being aggressive. These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.
- If a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up! People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.
For more tips on staying safe around black bears, visit the Wild Aware Utah website.