Bear rules aimed at reducing camper and bear encounters

New rules are being implemented in the national forests in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and Northwestern Montana.

These rules are devised to reduce problems between people and wildlife and officials are asking for help and cooperation from campers and RVers also.

Forest spokespersons say that campers should never feed deer--or any wild animal--and that if bears are in the area do not hang up bird feeders. Never leave food or any sweet smelling substance outside your RV unless it is placed in a bear proof container.

To further reduce bear encounters, hunters may not hang a carcass within 200 yards of any trail or within a half mile of camping areas.