PROVO — It was on its best behavior Sunday, but a 2-year-old black bear still isn't allowed to mingle with people enjoying a stroll along the Provo River Trail.

Officials got several calls Sunday night reporting a bear on the trail near Bridal Veil Falls, said Scott Root, conservation outreach manager with the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Utah County sheriff's deputies and DWR officials conducted a bit of "crowd control" and kept an eye on the bear as it ambled its way back up the mountain, Root said.

"Most people were just excited," Root said. "Some were a little bit nervous. It's one of those things that might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Although the bear didn't act aggressive in any manner, officials shut down the trail from Nunns Park to Vivian Park for a few hours to ensure that the bear left the area, Root said.

"We would categorize this as a level one bear, no harm no foul," Root said. "If it does the same thing again, we'll just relocate it."

Monday, crews went to the same area and farther up the mountain with hounds to try and locate the bear or its scent. Root said the dogs picked up the scent and they determined the 180-pound bear was heading away from the populated area and deeper into the mountains.

Thanks to extra rain this year, Root said there is an abundant amount of "lush vegetation" and a bountiful crop of berries expected, which should keep the bears satisfied with the food in their mountain homes.

However, should one roam toward campgrounds, paved trails or residential areas, individuals should report the sighting and crews will relocate the bear if necessary, Root said.

There's no need to be afraid of bears or camping if individuals take proper precautions, he said. Campers should lock up any food at night in a bear-proof container, car trunk or high off the ground to eliminate the possibility of a run-in with a bear, and leave any strongly scented items at home, Root said.

More information and safety tips can be found at www.wildlife.utah.gov/bearsafety.