Backcountry visitors are not subject to the fine, Baxter said. There is a similar regulation in San Juan and Rio Grande National Forest campgrounds and developed recreational areas. Before issuing a ticket we make an effort to educate them about the right way to handle food to protect themselves and the bears. However, Jablonski said that some people leave food out intentionally to attract bears and that can be a serious offense. In these cases we have to save the public from themselves.
Some people visiting forest areas and parks are surprised to see a black bear.
When we get a report that a bear has been spotted we use it as an opportunity to say this is what you need to do to prevent the bear from coming back. Rocky Mountain National Park also receives numerous phone calls about black bear sightings. Rangers are constantly informing the public about why it's important not to feed wildlife and to keep food locked up to prevent hungry bears from getting too close. Holder said that a good educational program about what to do in bear country does help decrease bear encounters. When we tell people what happens to a problem bear, they don't want to be the cause of the animals death, so they're more careful with their food.