People seeking photos of bears at Taylor Creek creating unsafe conditions

The Forest Service may have to close the Taylor Creek Visitor Center area if visitors continue to disregard the warnings to keep away from the bears frequenting the area in search of salmon.

Visitors are being asked to keep their distance when encountering bears. The Visitor Center staff routinely encounter unsafe situations as guests ignore their instructions and get too close to bears to take photos and videos.

“Bears are unpredictable, wild animals and may attack if threatened,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Gibson. “We can’t have visitors creating dangerous situations for themselves and others. People are risking serious injury or death if they get too close to a bear.”

If visitors continue to disregard directions to stay away from bears at Taylor Creek, the Forest Service may close the area for public safety. Approaching bears too closely is also putting bears at risk, since bears may be captured and killed if they attack.

At Taylor Creek, visitors should stay on trails, respect wildlife and keep a safe distance if bears are present.