DID YOU KNOW........

Show Low, Pinetop and Lakeside logged 1,618 bear-related calls in 2025. This is a sharp increase from just under 500 calls in 2024. 

Bear Safety is something everyone should take seriously.  

The following information was provided by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

A bear's sense of smell is extremely powerful, seven times stronger than a bloodhound's and 2,100 times stronger than a human. Attractants such as trash, bird feeders, pet food and fruit trees smell like an easy meal. Although bears are generally shy and avoid people, these strong smells can bring them in. 

Getting used to human food sources is quite harmful to bears. Cubs have a lower survival rate and when a repeat offender is captured, they are most often euthanized - relocating isn't usually successful because the bear will return to human occupied areas and zoos or sanctuaries rarely have space available. 

Both Navajo County and the City of Show Low have specific ordinances in place to address repeated violations.

• The City of Show Low Municipal Code 5.05.140 (Wild Animals) states that property owners who fail to secure trash or any other food source or attractants likely to attract bears, coyotes, javelinas or other wild animals are guilty of a civil violation after being notified by any peace officer.

• Navajo County feeding ordinances state that it is unlawful for any person to fail to take remedial action to avoid contact between humans and wildlife. Notice can be Code Agent, Game and Fish Officer, or any peace officer and can be oral or written.

Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) 

has shared some pointers:

• Bag your Kitchen Trash and deposit it in the small dumpsters. Never put it in the large dumpsters where it can easily be accessed by wildlife.

• Consider attracting birds without food: supply shelter, water and natural food sources like seed-producing flowers. If you do use a bird feeder, place it in an elevated spot, at the end of a long branch that is not accessible to a bear. Here is a great article about attracting Birds not Bears: 

READ THE ARTICLE FROM BearWise.org: Attract Birds not Bears

Safety Tips 

If you encounter a bear and you are in a safe position to do so:

• Make yourself as large and imposing as possible. Stand upright, wave your arms and make loud noises.

• Do not run or play dead.

• Give the bear space and allow them to leave the area.

• If the bear does not leave, stay calm, continue facing it and slowly back away.

Unacceptable bear behavior, such as entering or attempting to enter human dwellings or vehicles, approaching a human after it becomes aware of your presence and any other aggressive behavior should be reported to AZGFD at 623-236-7201. In an emergency, call 911.