Why does DEC require the use of bear-resistant canisters in the Eastern High Peaks Zone (EHPZ)?
DEC has undertaken this measure to fulfill its obligation to protect wildlife populations and enhance the safety of the people who recreate in the Adirondack State Forest Preserve. In the past negative encounters between black bears and humans in the Eastern High Peaks Zone (EHPZ) have risen to unacceptable levels. These encounters almost always resulted in campers losing food (causing them to go hungry and/or shorten their camping trips) and often resulted in damage to camper’s equipment (causing campers to expend additional monies to replace the equipment). Although no campers were physically injured by black bears, many were frightened and intimidated by bears entering their campsite. Bears had come to recognize campers as a easy food source.
