Bold Black Bears Bother Big Creek Campers
July 19, 2011 4:30 PM 
Three different camping groups have had their food stolen by black bears near Big Creek Lake on the Stevensville Ranger District.
Tod McKay, Bitterroot National Forest public affairs officer, said another camper reported that the bears came into his camp and were not scared off even when he fired his rifle into the air.
Adult black bears and bear cubs have been seen in the area, which is in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness about 15 miles west of Stevensville.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been notified and signs warning of the problem bears have been posted at the Big Creek and Bear Creek trailheads – the two access trails to Big Creek Lake.
There are ways to help minimize bear encounters:
For more information on safety in bear country, visit www.bebearaware.org
or contact the Stevensville Ranger District (406) 777-5461.
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