Following an unseasonably warm February, it feels like spring has already arrived in much of Wyoming — farmers are working in local fields, some flowers started blooming and bears are beginning to emerge from their winter dens.

Yellowstone National Park biologists saw a large grizzly bear on Feb. 22. It seems early, but last year’s first grizzly was spotted around Feb. 9.

It’s typical to see bears out of their dens during the first week of March, according to Kerry Gunther, Yellowstone’s lead bear management biologist.

As more grizzlies emerge in coming weeks, it’s a reminder for residents and visitors to take precautions when venturing into bear country.

During winter months, many residents enjoy skiing, snowshoeing or hiking without worrying about encountering a bear. Spring’s arrival means we must change our mindset.

We’ve all heard tips about being bear aware: Carry bear spray, make noise, remain vigilant, store food or attractants in bear-proof containers and hike in a group of at least three.

Unfortunately, few people actually follow those precautions in bear country.

A survey of nearly 8,000 hikers in Yellowstone showed that fewer than 14 percent carried bear spray. Most of those surveyed — 60 percent — hiked in a group smaller than the recommended three people, according to a report released in January.

Of course, most of those visitors never encountered a bear. But that’s not always the case.

Since 2010, six people have been killed by grizzlies in the Yellowstone region.

Consider these statistics: Five of the victims were hikers. Four of them were hiking alone. And none of them were carrying bear spray.

Those statistics were in a January report by a team of biologists and specialists that investigated the death of Lance Crosby, a hiker who was killed by a grizzly bear in Yellowstone last August.

Investigators wrote that his unfortunate death “highlights the importance of following recommended safety precautions when hiking in grizzly bear habitat.”

Even when following every precaution, there’s no guarantee of safety in bear country, as the report noted.

It’s also true that a seat belt won’t guarantee you’ll survive a car wreck, but we believe it’s always worth taking that simple step.

Similarly, safety measures can reduce the risk of injury or death in a bear encounter.

Also, remember that “bear country” isn’t limited to Yellowstone, the Beartooths or the North and South forks. Grizzlies also frequent Heart Mountain, Clark and other residential areas.

Park County saw more bear conflicts and captures in 2015. Out of 45 bears captured and relocated in Wyoming last year, 24 were caught in Park County.

That’s more than the total number of bears that were captured statewide in 2014, when 22 bears were caught to prevent or resolve conflicts, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Across the state, the number of bear-related conflicts rose from 164 to 242 between 2014 and 2015. Unfortunately, conflicts resulted in 17 grizzlies being killed or placed in a zoo.

With more people in the Yellowstone region — last year saw a record 4.1 million visits to the park — we all must do our part to reduce bear conflicts.

Whether you’re in a remote wilderness or a residential area on the North Fork, be vigilant, watch for signs of bears and remember to carry bear spray.