Wildlife officials offer the following tips to avoid human conflicts with hungry black bears:

- Store garbage securely.

- Feed pets indoors.

- Remove birdfeeders during the summer.

- While camping, store food, garbage and toiletries in bear-resistant canisters away from your sleeping and activity area.

- Never approach or surround a bear.

- Yell, clap or bang pots to scare a bear away.

- If you feel threatened, don't run, but back away slowly.