A black bear was euthanized this past weekend after its close encounter with two tents at a campsite near Lake Granby.

In the first incident, the bear swatted at a barking dog through a tent. While there were campers inside the tent, nobody was injured. Wildlife officers determined that the bear was reacting to the barking dog when it scored the tent.

In the second incident, the bear slashed an unoccupied tent.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for handling these bear cases. After the second incident of approaching a tent, wildlife officers decided that the bear had begun to associate tents with food and would continue this dangerous behavior. Wildlife officers came to the conclusion that the bear had lost its fear of humans and was a threat to human health and safety. Following the Parks and Wildlife’s dangerous bear policy, wildlife officials destroyed the bear.

A public information officer for Parks and Wildlife, Rachael Gonzales, says that being bear aware applies while camping as well.

Some tips for being bear aware while camping include stashing trash. Campers should use bear-proof containers when they are available. If these containers are ever full, campers should double bag their trash and store it in their vehicle trunk. Gonzales says to never leave trash outside.

Properly storing food, beverages and toiletries in air tight containers also helps to keep bears from smelling anything that might attract them. Storing these containers in a vehicle’s trunk keeps it out of range for bears.

Keeping a clean tent and campsite is also important for not attracting bears. Bears are attracted to all kinds of odors and will investigate any scent in hopes of finding food according to the Parks and Wildlife.

Lastly, campers should remember to bring bear spray with them while out in bear country. The agency says that bear spray is more effective than firearms when it comes to deterring bears.

Parks and Wildlife reiterates that taking these precautions helps protect people and wildlife.