Wildlife officials urge hikers and campers to take bear safety precautions as recent attacks in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks raise concerns across the northern Rocky Mountains.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has warned residents and visitors that spring can be a critical time for bears because natural food sources are often limited after hibernation. The agency encourages people recreating in bear country to carry bear spray, hike in groups and remain aware of their surroundings.

Harold Rose, manager of the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center, said several environmental factors have created conditions that could increase encounters between bears and people throughout eastern Idaho.

"We didn't really have winter," Rose said. "The bears came out of hibernation early."

According to Rose, the mild winter meant fewer elk, deer and moose died during the colder months, leaving bears without one of their first food sources after hibernation. At the same time, a cooler-than-normal spring slowed the growth of grasses and other vegetation that bears rely on.

"The food sources are scarce," Rose said. "The bears are just hungry. They're hungry and aggressive."

Idaho Fish and Game has similarly noted that bears emerging from hibernation are focused on finding food to rebuild energy reserves. The agency warns that when natural food sources are scarce, bears may be more likely to investigate human-related food sources such as unsecured garbage, pet food or improperly stored camping supplies.

Bears are currently feeding on newborn elk, deer and moose calves, Rose said, but that food source is temporary. He added that fluctuating spring temperatures may also reduce this year's berry crop, forcing bears to continue searching for food throughout the summer.

"A lot of that will mean bears move to other areas that probably will put them in contact with humans," he said.

Rose also said growing grizzly bear populations have contributed to more encounters in recent years as the animals expand into new areas.

The recent attacks in Yellowstone and Glacier illustrate how quickly encounters can become dangerous. Rose said investigators believe both incidents involved hikers who unexpectedly encountered female grizzly bears with cubs, prompting defensive attacks.

For students recreating in eastern Idaho, Rose said preparation is the best way to reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter.

"The best thing is to go prepared," he said.

Rose recommends never hiking alone, staying aware of your surroundings and carrying bear spray whenever traveling in bear country. He emphasized that carrying bear spray is only effective if hikers know how to use it properly.

"Nothing beats preparation," Rose said.

He also encourages hikers to learn what type of bears they may encounter before setting out. While black bears generally avoid humans because they have been hunted in Idaho for many years, Rose said they can still be dangerous, particularly when food is scarce. Grizzly bears, however, are naturally more aggressive and should be treated with extra caution.

In eastern Idaho, Rose advises hikers to be especially prepared when traveling north of Ashton or east of Rexburg, including the Teton region and Island Park, where grizzly bears are common. Although less frequent, grizzly bears have also been documented in the Big Hole Mountains.

Despite the increased potential for bear encounters, Rose said he does not want students to avoid spending time outdoors.

"We have the most beautiful place on earth right here within a few hours of campus," he said. "I don't want anybody being scared to go there. Just be prepared."

For students who do not have the necessary equipment for outdoor recreation, Rose said the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center can help students prepare for their trips. The ORC rents bear spray at a low cost and provides resources to help students learn how to recreate safely in bear country.

"We just rent it for a cheap price, just so if everybody's prepared, then maybe we save lives," Rose said.

Students planning outdoor trips can also contact the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center or Idaho Fish and Game for current information on bear activity before heading into the backcountry.