Black bear sightings in Zion National Park have increased in the past year, leading park officials to install additional signage and safety measures for visitors. 

Historically, black bears are rarely seen in the park, according to Zion wildlife biologist and wildlife program manager Janice Stroud-Settles. But this year, Stroud-Settles reported a total of seven bear sightings between May and June.

The bears were seen along the Kolob Terrace Road, the Lava Point area and Lava Point Campground. Bears are more common in these high-elevation areas of the park, but often avoid park visitors. “Beware of Bears” signage at Hop Valley trailhead and other high-elevation recreation areas serve as a reminder to visitors that they are sharing the park with these large predators. 

The sightings have also prompted park officials to modify the policy regarding food storage at campgrounds.

Now, the park has installed several bear boxes at the Lava Point Campground and is requiring bear-resistant food storage to better protect the bears and reduce the chance of dangerous encounters between humans and bears. 

Below is guidance from the National Park Service on best practices for campground food storage in bear territory.

Food Storage at Campgrounds

Bears are active mid-March through November every year. Don’t attract wildlife, including black bears, to campsites because of improperly stored food. Bears can visit any time of day!

• Always keep your food within arm’s reach and don’t turn your back to your food.
• In some parks, food may be stored inside your car as long as it is out of sight, with windows completely closed, and only during daylight hours; never store food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle.
• Secure your food, garbage, and other scented items immediately upon arriving at your campsite.
• Do NOT store food in your tent or backpack.
• Wash dirty dishes immediately.
• Do NOT attempt to burn excess food, tea bags, or coffee grounds in a fire. Burning organic matter completely requires a very hot fire, hotter than most campfires. Partially burned matter will still draw wildlife into camps.