The one thing that draws humans and bears together is food. In fact, bears that have come to identify food with human are killed.

In the spring, aspen buds are a menu item. Ants, carrion, rodents, grasses, forbes shrubs and berries are also in their diet. They will eat meat, but not routinely, probably because they are not efficient hunters, like cougars. They are slow and not designed for chasing down game. They will eat winter kill, newborn game animals and, if the opportunity is there, livestock.

Bears that have come in contact with humans and either raided their camps or been handed food, have come to associate humans with an easy meal, and it's a learned experience they don't forget.

To avoid encounters, which could lead to the destruction of the bear, the DWR has issued this advice:

• Don't leave food out.

• Don't scatter food scraps and other litter around your campsite or cabin area.

• Don't keep food in the area where you're sleeping.

• Don't bring items with you that have a strong odor.

• Never feed a bear.

"And by following these rules, you'll be helping other people too," said Kevin Bunnell, mammals program coordinator. "A bear may not visit the area while you're there, but the food you leave out and the litter you leave behind could bring a bear to that same area after you leave. And that could create a serious problem for people who camp in the area after you."

He also offered these suggestions, which can greatly reduce the chance a bear visits your camp or cabin:

• Don't leave food out. Instead, lock your food and coolers inside your vehicle or suspend them at least 12 feet high between two trees, so bears can't reach them. You can also store food in a bear-proof container. But remember that most containers, including plastic coolers, are not bear proof. Bear-proof containers are available at various sporting goods and outdoor stores.

• Don't scatter garbage, food scraps and fat drippings around your campsite, and don't leave them in your fire pit, either. Instead, place them in an airtight container, lock them securely in the trunk of your car or inside your trailer, and take them home with you. If bear-proof garbage cans are available in your campground, you can also leave them in the cans.

• After you're through cooking and eating, immediately clean your cooking grills and anything used to prepare, eat or clean up food.

• Don't keep any food in the area where you're sleeping.