JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the National Forests in Mississippi are encouraging the public to be aware of bears after recent black bear activity in the state’s forests.

“We want everyone to stay safe and be bear aware in the great outdoors,” said Shannon Kelardy, Forest Supervisor.

Black bears have an exceptionally keen sense of smell. Hikers are encouraged to pack all food and personal items that smell, like toothpaste and soap, in a bearproof container so bears and other animals can’t detect the scents.

Most bears are naturally wary of humans and tend to avoid them. However, bears are always
searching for food. They can learn to associate people with food.

To help reduce bear encounters, overnight campers at recreation sites and hikers on trails are encouraged to use permanent food storage methods, which include:

• Campground canisters
• Cable systems
• Metal poles with arms
• Bear-proof metal boxes

It’s important to remember, many people never encounter a bear, but if you do, here’s some
simple advice:

• Do not run.
• Remain calm.
• Group together and pick up small children.
• Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a
  human.
• If the bear approaches, try to scare it away by making yourself appear larger (stretch your
  arms overhead) and making loud noises.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it; bear spray is available at many outdoor retailers.

To avoid a bear encounter, stay away from a bear’s favorite food sources, such as berry patches, decaying logs filled with insects, and lakes or rivers teeming with fish. Additionally, stay alert by avoiding headphones and approach blind corners on the trail with caution.