Recent sightings of bears on walking trails at Mid Michigan College in Harrison has prompted the school to issue safety precautions.
Mid Michigan College spokeswoman Meghan Keen said there have been a handful of sightings of a mother bear and cubs but no contact with anyone walking the trails.
Keen doesn’t think the sightings will affect the school’s annual Halloween tradition, Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest, which is scheduled to take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at the Poet Family Outdoor Education Center at the Harrison campus.
Mid Michigan College posted tips on the school’s website, including letting visitors know to stay alert on the trails and keep dogs leashed at all times.
Mid also provided a link online to the United States Forest Service’s tips on what to do during a bear encounter.
Bear encounter safety information is posted on the trailheads, and the USFS advises to stay calm, group together and pick up small children.
When encountering a bear, continue to face it and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify as a human to the animal, and if the bear continues to approach, try to scare it away by looking large and imposing, stretching arms overhead and making loud noise, according to the USFS.
It is also important to carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear, according to the USFS.
Source: The Morning Sun
