Contact: Gabrielle Done (518) 402-8000
DEC Regulation to Help Reduce Bear Encounters in High Peaks
Regulation to Require the Use of Bear Resistant Canisters in Eastern Zone
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the adoption of a regulation requiring overnight users in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area to use bear resistant canisters for the storage of food, toiletries, and garbage during the period of April 1 through November 30 of each year. The regulation will become effective following publication in the New York State Register tomorrow, August 24, 2005.
The regulation defines bear resistant canisters as a commercially made container constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. Bear resistant canisters are usually made of hard plastic, weigh three to five pounds, and can hold up to nine days worth of food for one camper. Canisters are available for purchase or rental at many outdoor equipment retailers statewide.
The regulation was offered for public review and comment. The draft regulation was published in the May 18, 2005 issue of the New York State Register. The public was invited to provide comments on the changes during a 45-day comment period that began on May 18, 2005 and ended on July 5, 2005.
Bear resistant canisters are proven to be an effective means for preventing bears from obtaining campers' food. Data collected by DEC during the summer of 2004 shows that of the approximately 400 reported bear interactions with humans in the Eastern High Peaks, half resulted in bears taking campers' food. Of the people who reported encounters with bears, more than 75 percent of those using tree hangs lost their food to bears. Only one person who used a bear resistant canister reported a loss of food, due to the failure to properly secure the canister's lid. DEC has removed cable systems from the Eastern High Peaks that were previously used by campers to hang their food.
Requiring bear resistant canisters is just one step in DEC's comprehensive effort to significantly reduce negative encounters with bears in the Eastern High Peaks. DEC has undertaken the following additional measures:
 | Implementing an extensive education and outreach effort to make campers in the High Peaks aware of bears, the problems they can cause and the means to avoid problems; |
| Enacting a more systematic program for negatively conditioning bears; and |
| Studying the bears and their interactions with humans to more precisely define the problem and the best means to address it. |
DEC has and will continue to perform extensive public outreach in the areas that will be affected by the regulation to teach hikers and other users about the proper use of bear resistant canisters. DEC has also reached out other statewide organizations like Adirondack Mountain Club and the Forest Preserve Advisory Council to help better inform users of the affected areas of the change. Forest Rangers throughout the area will also inform hikers of the change and ensure compliance. Information on the requirement will be posted at trail heads and at hiking/camping supply stores in the area. Information on proper use of bear resistant canisters and the regulation can also be found on DEC's website at: www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg5/r5bears.html. Violators of the new regulation may be subjected to a fine up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail.
More information on bear resistant canisters, the High Peaks Bear Study, and ways to avoid problems with black bears in the back country may be found on DEC's web site at www.dec.state.ny.us.
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