Bears roaming Utah campground force rule change

DUCHESNE — The U.S. Forest Service has banned tent sleeping in a northeastern Utah campground because of bear trouble.

The Ashley National Forest is requiring visitors at Avintaquin Campground south of Duchesne to use recreational vehicles or camp trailers at night. The special rule took effect Friday.

District Ranger John R. Kirkaldie says he's working with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources to resolve the bear problem.

A Forest Service news release offered no details about what it called an increase in bear activity and sightings, and officials didn't return phone messages left Saturday by The Associated Press.

The statement says campers must use hard-sided and structurally sound vehicles or trailers for sleeping until further notice.