With bears acting more like bears in terms of eating their normal fare, the dock at Oak Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin has reopened to boaters.
The dock had been closed on July 23, along with group site B and campsites 2 and 3, on the island due to bear activity. Since then, park staff have conducted patrols and monitored bear activity.
"Fortunately, it appears that natural foods have become more abundant and bears are resuming their normal behaviors," park officials said Monday in a release.
However, it is critical that visitors to Oak Island (and other areas in the lakeshore) make sure that no food or items that have odors are left unattended. In addition to food, this includes water bottles, deodorant, toothpaste and clothing with food odors. Bear lockers are available for use at all campsites to help keep bears and food separated.
“We hope that no more closures will be necessary, however, it is really up to visitors. Keeping food away from bears is key”, said the lakeshore's acting superintendent, Myra Foster.