Silver City, NM, May 27, 2018—The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District has received a confirmed human-bear encounter that occurred early this morning in area of County Road 4-12/Gold Gulch Road/Forest Road 860 near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).

Diane Taliaferro, Silver City District Ranger, is asking that, if possible, all campers leave the area for their own protection. District staff are posting signs and putting up barriers in the area of the encounter for public safety. A temporary closure is in place for Forest Road 860/CR4-12 Gold Gulch Road.

All wildlife can be dangerous. When hiking/camping/recreating, there are a few precautions that you should take.

· Keep a clean camp.

· Do not store food or strongly scented products in your tent. Store your food by hanging at least 10-15 feet above ground or store in approved, bear resistant containers.

· Set up cooking, eating and supply areas at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.

· Do not sleep in the clothes you cook in.

· Keep a flashlight and bear spray readily available.

For more information on Bear Safety, please go to http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/download/publications/wildlife/Keeping-Bears-Alive-and-You-Safe.pdf . For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila