Bear shot and killed near Bluff

A bear caused quite a ruckus in Bluff before being shot and killed by a wildlife resource officer on June 20 at St Christopher’s Mission.
The bear was shot after several days of confusion and missing animals. The San Juan River Kitchen lost a baby kid, area ranchers lost a number of sheep, and several dogs are reported missing.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminds area residents that the hot, dry weather could increase the chance that a black bear wanders into your area this summer.
John Shivik, mammals coordinator for the DWR, says the dry conditions have reduced the amount of natural vegetation that’s available to the bears.  Not having enough natural vegetation forces the bears to wander more in search of food.  
Fortunately, Shivik says you can do several things to lessen the chance that a bear picks your area as a place to wander into:
• Store your food and scented items, such as deodorants and tooth paste, in areas where bears can’t get them.  Inside a trailer or in the trunk of your car are good choices.
• Keep your cooking grill clean.  And clean anything you used to prepare, eat or clean up food.
• Keep your campsite or cabin area clean.  Don’t toss food scraps and other trash around.
• Never feed a bear.
“Even if it isn’t a dry year,” Shivik says, “you should always follow these tips.  Bears are always searching for food.”
You’ll be helping others too.