Environment DEC
From the September 2005 issue
DEC Regulation to Help Reduce Bear Encounters in High Peaks
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the adoption of a regulation requiring overnight campers in the eastern zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area to use bear-resistant canisters for the storage of food, toiletries and garbage from April 1 through November 30 each year. Prior to adoption, the draft regulation was published in the May 18, 2005 issue of the New York State Register. The public was invited to comment during a 45-day comment period that began May 18, 2005 and ended July 5, 2005. Comments were reviewed and the regulation became effective following publication in the New York State Register on August 24, 2005.
The regulation defines bear-resistant canisters as a commercially made container constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. Bear-resistant canisters are usually made of hard plastic, weigh three to five pounds and can hold up to nine days worth of food for one camper. Canisters are available for purchase or rental at many outdoor equipment retailers statewide.
Effective Deterrent
Bears are naturally good
climbers, and learn how
to get food from traditional
tree hangs
Bear-resistant canisters are proven to be an effective means of preventing bears from obtaining campers' food. Data collected by DEC during the summer of 2004 shows that, of the approximately 400 reported bear interactions with humans in the Eastern High Peaks, half resulted in bears taking campers' food. Of the people who reported encounters with bears, more than 75 percent of those using tree hangs lost their food. Only one person who used a bear-resistant canister reported a loss of food, due to failure to properly secure the canister's lid. DEC has removed cable systems from the eastern High Peaks that were previously used by campers to hang food.
Just One Step
Requiring bear-resistant canisters is just one step in DEC's comprehensive effort to significantly reduce negative encounters with bears in the eastern High Peaks. DEC has undertaken the following additional measures:
- Implementing an extensive education and outreach effort to make campers in the High Peaks aware of bears, the problems they can cause and how to avoid problems;
- Enacting a more systematic program for conditioning bears to avoid humans (negative conditioning), and
- Studying bears and their interactions with humans to more precisely define the problem and the best means to address it.
Outreach to Continue
DEC has performed, and will continue to perform, extensive public outreach in the areas that will be affected by the regulation, teaching campers and other users about the proper use of bear-resistant canisters. DEC has also reached out to other statewide organizations, like the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Adirondack Council, to help better inform those who use the area about the change. Forest rangers throughout the area will also inform users of the change and ensure compliance. Information on the requirement will be posted at trail heads and at hiking/camping supply stores in the area. Violators of the new regulation are subject to a fine up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail.
More "Bear" Facts
More information on the regulation, proper use of bear-resistant canisters, the High Peaks Bear Study and ways to avoid problems with black bears in the back country may be found on DEC's website at the "Related Links" below.
