Kelly Forks Campground is TEMPORARILY CLOSED until further notice due to bear activity in the area.
Fall is a critical season for black bears and they commonly acquire most of their annual fat accumulation at this time. Bears may forage up to 20 hours a day during fall, increasing their body weight by 35 percent in preparation for winter.
Bears tend to avoid humans. However, human-habituated bears are bears that, because of prolonged exposure to people, have lost their natural fear or wariness around people. Human-food-conditioned bears are those that associate people with food. Such bears can become aggressive in their pursuit of a meal.
Campers can avoid conflicts with bears by maintaining a clean campsite and storing food, garbage and aromatic items, like toothpaste and other toiletries, out of reach of bears, and not in your tent or unsecured at your campsite. If car camping, keep all food and coolers in a building or vehicle with the doors locked and windows rolled up. Visitors who have not properly stored their food risk their own safety.
For additional information, contact the North Fork Ranger District:
Orofino, ID 83544
(208) 476-4541