Wild Wednesday: How to stay "bear aware"

Two grizzly bears who were given a second chance at life are proving why being 'bear aware' is so important in wildlife environments. Rainy, 21, and Akoiah, 17, both came to the Tulsa Zoo as "three strikes bears."

Carnivore Keeper Kimberly Somarriba said, "A three-strikes bear is when they have come into contact with humans about three times out in the wild."

Once that happens, the general guideline used by wildlife managers in the United States is to relocate the bear or euthanize them.

Somarriba said the most common reason for bear and human interactions is food being left out at campsites. To demonstrate, she set up a fake campfire, tent, and cooler, then hid food throughout. Grizzly bears are very smart and have a strong sense of smell, so Rainy made quick work of it.

"Rainy, so far, has been able to prove herself every single time," Somarriba said. "I have yet to stump her, so I am still working on that."

Once a bear knows it can find food if it finds humans, it loses their natural fear of people. Somarriba said it is best never to leave food out while camping or hiking, and to watch all wildlife from a safe distance.