Bear in lower Deer Valley Photo: Morgan McCue

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Police Department in conjunction with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is investigating several black bear sightings over the last 24 hours within Park City limits. The likelihood of conflicts with bears increases during drought years when a bear’s normal food supply is decreased, leading them to seek alternate food sources.

The Police Department states there is no imminent danger, but urges residents to take the following precautions.

Dispose of trash carefully. Store trash in a secure location or bear-safe container, and put your trash out for pickup in the morning (not the previous night) and clean your trash containers regularly.
Secure or remove food sources, such as bird feeders, barbecue grills and unclean utensils, pet food and water bowls, unattended pets (especially at night), and unfenced fruit trees, garden plots, compost piles and beehives.
If bears persist, consider deterrents such as electric fencing, installing motion-activated lights or noisemakers, having one or more dogs, and turning on garden hoses or sprinklers.
If a bear enters your yard, give it an obvious escape route — do not corner it.
If you do see a bear, call police dispatch at 435-615-5500. The information will passed on to Utah DWR.