Black bear sightings are on the rise in Zion National Park, officials say

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SPRINGVILLE, WAshington County — Signs are up in one corner of Zion National Park cautioning visitors to watch out for black bears, as sightings have reportedly increased this year.

Janice Stroud-Settles, wildlife biologist and wildlife program manager at Zion National Park, told St. George News that while the American black bear is rarely seen, its presence is increasing in the park.

"We did have a fair amount of sightings this year, more than we have in previous years," Stroud-Settles said. "We had a total of about seven bear sightings between May and June, and all of them were in higher elevations."

Stroud-Settles said the bears were seen along the Kolob Terrace Road, the Lava Point area and Lava Point Campground. This area is located at nearly 8,000 feet elevation in the park's northern part and the eastern plateau.

Read the entire story at St. George News.

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UtahSouthern UtahOutdoors
Stephanie DeGraw