Bear Beware! Montana officials have euthanized a bear after it attacked a child at a campground. A new social media Instagram filter, "Selfie Control", helps tourists maintain safe distances from wildlife. Plus, wildfire updates and tips on the shelf life of sunscreen and insect repellent. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!
Episode 198 Details
Wildlife Safety: Bear Attack, Instagram Filter Plus Wildfire, Sunscreen & Insect Repellent Tips
Bear Attacks Young Child In Tent At Private Campground
Bear Beware In Montana & Other National Parks
According to Outdoor Life, Officials in Montana tracked down and killed a black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl, on Sunday, August 11th, while she was sleeping in a tent at a private campground near Red Lodge. The attack occurred around 9:45 p.m. at Perry's RV Park and Campground, leading to the evacuation of the site. The bear was trapped and euthanized by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) officials, who believe it was the same bear involved in the incident. The girl was taken to a hospital in Billings, but her condition remains undisclosed. MFWP's Facebook post noted that "unsecured attractants" like garbage and human food likely lured the bear into the campsite. The campground remains closed as officials continue to monitor the area for any other bears
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks emphasizes being “Bear Aware” when camping or recreating in bear country, especially at established campgrounds where large concentrations of people can attract opportunistic bears. In its guide to camping in bear country, MFWP points out that most conflicts between humans and black bears at campsites involve food-conditioned bears.
In a statement, MFWP said, “A food-laden campsite can be a bear’s death sentence. After trying scare tactics and multiple relocations, FWP wardens and biologists have to kill 10 to 12 bears each year when the animals, attracted by food, repeatedly raid campsites and put human safety at risk.”
Reference:
https://www.outdoorlife.com/survival/montana-black-bear-attacks-girl/
https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2024/aug/08132024_child-hospitalized-in-black-bear-attack-south-of-red-lodge
https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/activities/bearproofcamping.pdf
NEW Social Media Instagram Wildlife Filter: Safety First!
Tourists and Wildlife Do Not Mix, Selfie Filter Provides Safety
The Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board has launched the "Selfie Control" Instagram filter, designed to help tourists maintain safe distances from wildlife while taking photos. Preloaded with safe viewing distances for iconic species like bears, bison, and moose, the filter helps users determine if they are too close to the animals.
If the animal appears larger on the screen than the icon, users are in the danger zone and should back up. This tool addresses the challenge of accurately estimating safe distances, as recommended by the National Park Service, which advises keeping at least 25 yards from wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears. The filter aims to prevent dangerous encounters, especially with "tourons" who often disregard safety, leading to incidents such as bison-related injuries in Yellowstone. By making it easier to gauge safe distances, the filter is expected to enhance visitor safety and protect wildlife during the busy summer season.
Reference:
https://industry.visitjacksonhole.com/travel-tourism-board-inspires-a-little-selfie-control
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touron
National Wildfire Update: Key Insights, Safety & Prevention Tips
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports significant wildfire activity across the United States. As of August 13, 2024, there are 77 large active wildfires that have burned over 2.3 million acres. More than 28,750 wildland firefighters are currently assigned to wildfires. Year to date, since January, over 29,500 wildfires have burned more than 5.2 million acres in the United States, compared to 1.3 million acres during the same time frame in 2023. This is about one million acres above the 10-year average number of acres burned.
More than 25,600 wildfires have been caused by people, compared to about 3,700 ignited by lightning. As wildfires continue to threaten communities and natural landscapes, it's crucial that we all do our part to prevent new fires from starting. Remember, it only takes a single spark to start a wildfire, but together, we can prevent them.
"Warming temperatures, drier conditions, and shifts in precipitation are contributing to an increase in the frequency of large wildfires and acres of land burned in the U.S. each year," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
So far in Fire Year 2024, 14 Unma nned Aircraft System (UAS) incursions have been reported near wildfires in 10 states. Seven of these incursions have caused firefighting aircraft to be grounded while the unauthorized drone operator was located. Unauthorized drones have no communication with wildland firefighters and pilots working on the ground and in the air. Regardless of your motivation, flying a drone near a wildfire is putting someone else's life in danger. Always Know Before You Fly and keep drones away from wildfires.
Key Safety Tips
- Monitor local news and official sources for updates.
- Use apps and websites for real-time wildfire information.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit:
- Include essentials such as water, food, medications, and important documents.
- Follow Local Instructions:
- Adhere to evacuation routes and safety measures.
- Traveling During Wildfire Season:
- Avoid high-risk areas unless necessary.
- Wear protective clothing and a mask to reduce smoke inhalation.
- Meeting Location that all members of the party know to gather.
Packing List for Safe Campfires in Dry Conditions
Fire-Safe Gear
- Portable Fire Pit: Prevent fire from spreading.
- Fire Blanket: Quickly smother accidental flames.
- Fire Extinguisher: For emergencies.
Fire Control Tools
- Shovel: For digging a fire pit and extinguishing the fire.
- Bucket: To fetch water for dousing the fire.
- Water Supply: At least 5 gallons dedicated to extinguishing the fire.
Choosing a Site, Preparation & Management for a Camp Fire
- Select a site with no overhanging branches or flammable materials.
- Use established fire rings if available.
- Clear a 10-foot diameter around the pit.
- Dig a small pit and surround it with rocks.
- Keep the fire small and manageable.
- Never leave the fire unattended.
- Avoid burning trash or leaves.
- Allow the fire to burn down to ash.
- Pour water, stir the ashes, and pour more water until cold.
- Alternatively, cover the fire with dirt and check for hot spots.
- Check the area for stray embers or signs of heat.
- Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving.
Always stay informed about local fire restrictions and weather conditions before lighting a campfire. For the latest updates, visit the National Interagency Fire Center's website.
References:
https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
How Long Bug Spray Lasts: Shelf Life and Effectiveness of Common Insect Repellents
Bug Spray with DEET or Picaridin
Bug spray with DEET or picaridin can last up to three years when stored properly. Synthetic repellents like DEET and picaridin have longer shelf lives compared to natural repellents with essential oils.
Bug Spray with Essential Oils
Bug sprays made with essential oils are effective for about a year. These natural repellents can degrade faster than synthetic ones.
Checking Expiration
Dispose of insect repellent after three years as it may lose efficacy over time. To check if bug spray has expired, look for changes in smell, color, or consistency, or test its effectiveness by applying it and monitoring for bites.
Reference:
https://www.marthastewart.com/8228048/does-bug-spray-expire
Sunscreen: Shelf Life and Effectiveness
FDA Guidelines
The U.S. FDA mandates that sunscreen retains its full strength for at least three years, allowing you to use leftover sunscreen from previous years.
Checking Expiration Dates
Always check for an expiration date on the sunscreen bottle and discard any that have expired. If there is no expiration date, write the purchase date on the bottle and dispose of it after three years.
Proper Storage
Store sunscreen properly by keeping it out of hot weather and direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness. If the sunscreen’s color or texture changes, it's best to throw it out, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
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The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.
AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.
Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com
https://tiggerandbec.com/
WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS
Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.
Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.
United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.
Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.
