Forest Service reopens Pittsburg Landing Campground in Hells Canyon after bear concern eases
Published 9:58 am Friday, July 14, 2023
- This black bear (its coat is a lighter color, common to bears in Hells Canyon) had been living near the Pittsburg Campground, on the Idaho side of the canyon, for several months. The bear's continuing presence prompted the U.S. Forest Service to close the Pittsburg Campground on June 28, 2023. due to concerns about possible conflicts between campers and the bear. The campground reopened July 14, as the bear has been staying away from people.
JOSEPH — The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has reopened a campground in Hells Canyon, two weeks after it was closed due to an adult bear that was loitering near people.
The Pittsburg Landing Campground, on the Idaho side of the Snake River, reopened Friday, July 14. It was closed June 28.
Forest officials have been monitoring the bear, and since the closure the animal has changed its behavior, said Sweyn Wall, recreation manager for the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
“It’s been several weeks since the bear was last seen near people,” Wall said. “It has been observed eating natural food sources, which is a good sign.”
The Wallowa-Whitman is requiring campers to store food and other attractants in bear-resistant containers.
“Proper storage of food, trash, and other attractants is an important component of our decision to re-open Pittsburg Landing Campground,” said Jamey Basye, deputy district ranger for the national recreation area. “Minimizing readily accessible food sources for wildlife will help reduce some of the safety concerns that led to the campground closure in June.”
