Heading into the woods? Be bear aware

With more people venturing into the forested areas of North Idaho during the summer months, bear encounters are becoming more common, although bear attacks are not. While bear attacks are uncommon in the Idaho Panhandle, it is important to know how to avoid encounters with these animals altogether. Idaho Parks and Recreation public information specialist Chelsea Chambers offered some tips for hikers and other outdoor recreationalists on how to avoid coming face-to-face with a bear as well as how to protect yourself should a bear encounter occur.