SPOKANE, Wash. – Huckleberries are blooming across the Inland Northwest, a sweet treat for both people and bears alike.
“Huckleberries are one of the big food sources for bears so that’s what we would consider one of the big things to be aware of,” said Regan Harris, a wildlife conflict specialist.
When you do finally find that patch of huckleberries, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings.
“If the bear doesn’t know you’re there, that gives you the opportunity to slowly back out, quietly see if he can get out of there unobserved,” Harris said.
Recently, a local man said he was out picking huckleberries near Priest River when he encountered a grizzly bear with her cub. The bear charged at him and he posted about his experience online.
“The best thing for you to do (if a bear sees you) is wave your hands in the air, wave a jacket, backpack, anything you have and talk to the bear, just to signify that you’re human,” Harris explained.
If you find yourself in a situation where the bear keeps approaching while you back away, Harris said that’s when it’s time to get more aggressive.
“Make sure you have your bear spray ready,” Harris said. “If you have that on you, you can maybe be a little bit more loud about it. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, do whatever you can do to try and scare that bear off.”
Harris said bears are known for bluff charging, which is when they repeatedly run at you and stop. It’s a bear’s way of telling you they feel threatened and don’t want you there.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife always suggests to have bear spray on you whether you’re out hunting for huckleberries or hiking along the trails.
For hikers’ WDFW recommends going out in groups.
“If you don’t have people to go out recreating with you, one of the tips I tell people is that you can play a podcast at a low volume on your phone,” Harris said. “You don’t want it so loud that you can’t hear wildlife approaching or hear what’s going on around you, but just loud enough that it kind of simulates human conversation.”
And, if you see a bear, whatever you do, don’t run.
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