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HAMILTON- Hikers hitting some trails in the Bitterroot have been seeing more and more black bears looking to cool off in the shade.

Todd McKay with the Bitterroot National Forest says there were run-ins with several black bears reported near Big Creek Lake in the Stevensville Ranger District over the weekend.

The lake is located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness approximately 15 miles west of Stevensville and the only way yo get there is by foot or horseback on the Big Creek Trail or the Bear Creek Trail.

McKay states in a press release that three different groups reported having their food stolen by the bears between July 15th and July 17th while another camper reported that the bears came directly into his camp, were not afraid of people, and were not even scared off when he fired his rifle into the air. The groups also report seeing black bear cubs in the area.

Forest officials have reported the incident to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials and have also posted signs concerning the problem bears at the Big Creek and Bear Creek trailheads.

The Bitterroot National Forest has released five simple steps that can help prevent human-bear encounters: Camp away from trails and areas where you see bear signs. Folks should keep a clean camp at all times and keep tents and sleeping bags free of odors;

Also, avoid cooking smelly foods and hang all food, trash and other odorous items well away from camp and at least 10' above ground and 4' from any vertical support, or store in a bear proof container. Livestock feed should be treated the same as human food and folks should not sleep in the same clothes worn while cooking or eating.

Additional information about traveling safely in bear country can be found by clicking here or by contacting the Stevensville Ranger District at (406) 777.5461.