As camping season ramps up, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding people to be aware of bears while enjoying the outdoors.

They say many of the province’s campsites are in bear country, and bears have been known to wander through the campgrounds on occasion.

As a result, it’s important to store food and handle garbage properly, and ensure cooking methods don’t attract bears.

In a statement, the province says when bears start to associate food with humans, they become risks to public safety.

Here are some things to do to keep your campground bear safe:

• Never cook or eat in your tent.
• Never store food in tents or tent trailers.  Store food in air-tight containers in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Place all garbage in the containers provided.  Do not burn or bury scraps.
• Clean fish only at designated fish-cleaning stations.
• Keep your pet on a leash.
• Keep young children close at hand, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Use a flashlight at night.

If a bear enters the campground:

• Stay calm.  Do not run.
• Do not harass or chase the bear.
• If the bearis at a distance, calmly place all food in your vehicle.
• Get into your vehicle and report the incident to staff.

The province is also reminding people that feeding bears, wolves, cougars, or coyotes is illegal in Saskatchewan, as it can increase the chance of dangerous encounters with these animals.