To ensure that wildlife and humans can safely coexist in the verdant expanses of northeast Washington, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has rolled out a new line of defense against bear-human conflicts – say hello to bear-resistant food lockers. The area, including Sherman Creek Wildlife Area in Ferry County and the LeClerc Wildlife Area in Pend Oreille County, areas known for their lush wildlife corridors and habitat, is now equipped with a tool essential for camping in bear country. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, these installations are a proactive measure to prevent bear encounters resulting from unsecured food and scented items.

Bear lockers are simple metal boxes that are easy for people to use but hard for bears to open. They were created through a partnership between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to help keep wildlife safe. Five of these lockers have been placed in popular camping areas: three in Sherman Creek and two in LeClerc, often visited by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters and hikers.

The main goal of these lockers is to prevent bears from getting used to human food, which can make them aggressive and pose safety risks. As the saying goes, "A fed bear is a dead bear." The hope is that using these lockers will prevent serious problems. Campers are encouraged to store all food, trash, and scented items like deodorant and toothpaste in the lockers when they set up camp.

However, if the lockers are full or unavailable, WDFW recommends double-bagging trash and keeping it in a vehicle trunk to avoid attracting bears. It’s also essential to keep your campsite clean, change out of smelly clothes, and make sure your tent doesn’t have strong odors. While bear encounters are rare, bringing bear spray for safety is smart.