More bear sightings in North Idaho has community on high alert

We've reported several bear attacks in our region, since the start of spring. In early April, there were 2 grizzly attacks near Naples. Livestock was killed in 3 attacks in North Idaho and two hunters killed a grizzly in self-defense near the Ruby Creek drainage.
With the influx of people moving into North Idaho, we're seeing the development of the lands and people moving into bear territory. We're told, the bears have always been there, we're just seeing them more frequently now.
"There's a lot of people, in the past two years especially, moving into North Idaho," said Mark Vogt, a Nature & Wildlife photographer.
Vogt has seen a lot of bears in his time, and he knows their behavior well.
Black bears are common in North Idaho, and that's nothing new. We're just moving into their area more frequently now.
When you're out in their territory, look for signs they could be nearby. Scat (or poop), and food sources: grass, clovers, dandelions, or any kind of berries.
For instance, if you're out picking huckleberries, there's a good chance you're not too far from a bear.
"Stand still and don't stand in a silhouetted area," Vogt advises. Next: remain calm. Don't panic. Move slowly and back away. Vogt tells us bears can see, sense, and smell fear.
"I would say 70 percent of the pictures I take, the bears don't even know I'm there. If you change the behavior of the animal, you're too close," Vogt explained.
You'll get a warning if you come too close and a bear isn't happy. "They're going to woof, stomp, growl, do whatever to let you know they're unhappy. You should be gone long before that," Vogt explained.
Many people exploring the forests of North Idaho see bringing a dog along as a solution. The pups will undoubtedly find a bear more quickly, but they face the same risks we do.
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[@mrj24811]

Yeah there's not more bears there are more people putting up fence, chopping down wilderness. Sad thing is all the old logging RDS are gated off and houses going up, rivers where everyone can camp are now blocked off private property with houses and RV poles. Then they yell at ppl floating the river stepping off for a break. It's sad actually and with the border open, it's only going to get worse.

[@nathanielaustin1420]

Bear necessities.