RRC Archives

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Morgan
859-745-3100

Forest Service issues food storage order due to bears

WINCHESTER, Ky., May 10, 2013 – With a growing population of black bears in eastern Kentucky, the Daniel Boone National Forest has issued a food storage order for campers and other visitors. The order is applicable forest-wide.

“Our highest priority is public safety,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “Our visitors can help ensure their safety by not allowing bears to have access to human food or garbage.”

Campers in developed sites must store food, garbage and other odorous items that may attract bears in a bear-resistant container, inside their vehicle, or in an enclosed hard-body trailer.

Backcountry campers must suspend food, garbage and odorous items at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet away from any tree or pole.

All food leftovers and trash must be properly disposed of in a bear-resistant trash receptacle or other container where provided by the Forest Service. The burning or burying of food trash is prohibited.

Odorous items that may attract bears include food, garbage, soap, toothpaste and other scented substances.

In Kentucky, it is against the law to intentionally or unintentionally feed a bear. The public should report nuisance bears and any bear exhibiting aggressive behavior by calling 1-800-25-ALERT.

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Kimberly Morgan
Public Affairs Specialist
Daniel Boone National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
859-745-3107

Can you get a ticket?

milspecmark wrote:Can you get a ticket?

Yes, here is the link to the actual Forest Supervisors Order - http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 419090.pdf

Sounds like a ploy for them to make money off tickets. Thanks for the heads up. I will keep my food in my car. I can just see the rangers driving around whittleton and koomer ridge in the early morning ticketing people who have a trash bag out in their campsight. Make sure you throw everything away in the bear proof trash cans before you go to sleep.

My climbing partner saw one while waiting for me at the parking area to Muscle Beach (FS 9b) November 2012. He said it didn't seem interested in him, just minding its own business from a distance. We've taken extra precautions ever since. I chalk this up to bona-fide concern for the wellbeing of bears and people versus revenue enhancement.

Thanks for posting!

Long overdue IMO. If you know what to look for you will see bear signs all over the red. I see them regularly at my place.