Fall is a popular time for recreational use on the Shoshone National Forest and officials are reminding visitors to take commonsense safety precautions.

This year, vegetation remains dry, and there have been six new fire starts across the Shoshone National Forest over the past week, all human-caused, officials say.

While many recreating on the Shoshone National Forest use warming fires as the weather turns colder, unattended or abandoned campfires can cause wildfires.

“If you decide to build a campfire, ensure it is in a safe area away from tents, structures, and low-hanging vegetation,” the Shoshone said in a news release. “Build your campfire using a stone or metal ring so it cannot easily spread. Never leave a campfire unattended and always ensure it is properly doused with water.”

All areas of the campfire must be cold to the touch before it is considered safe to leave. 

This time of year is also when grizzly bears and black bears are in hyperphagia, which means these animals are trying to intake as many calories as they can prior to hibernation; this can lead to human-bear interactions.

For the safety of all visitors to the Shoshone National Forest and wildlife, proper food storage is essential. More specific information on proper food and attractant storage can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xHssR.

“There have already been human-bear conflicts this hunting season. It is incredibly important that visitors to the Shoshone National Forest understand the food storage order that we have in place,” said Shoshone National Forest Supervisor Lisa Timchak.

She encouraged hunters to visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website at https://go.usa.gov/xMddm for tips on staying safe in bear country.