ASPEN, Colo. (AP) — Those looking to camp in the Aspen area will have to bring bear-resistant food and garbage containers this summer or risk a hefty fine.
The Aspen Times reports (http://bit.ly/1OchX6a ) that the White River National Forest enacted an emergency order Tuesday that requires use of the special containers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
The emergency order is an expansion of action taken last summer after bears were getting into the food, garbage and other goodies in backpackers belongings primarily in the Crater Lake area.
White River National Forest wildlife biologist Phil Nyland says wilderness rangers will check for compliance and those found without bear-proof equipment could be fined up to $5,000.
The Forest Service says there were 13 incidents in 2014 where bears got into improperly stored food or other attractants.
———
Information from: The Aspen Times, http://www.aspentimes.com/
