FILE - This picture of a bear was captured on a ranch located six miles west of Baldwin, Michigan.
Photo provided/Dick HueyThe Labor Day weekend is an excellent time to squeeze in an end-of-summer camping trip before fall begins. While packing for your trip, consider adding a few items to make sure your campsite doesn't accidently attract bears or other curious wildlife, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Here are a few items the DNR suggests you add to your campsite to prevent critters from crashing your weekend:
• Airtight containers and storage bags — Food and toiletries should never be kept in tents. Store food and toiletries in airtight containers in a vehicle trunk or suspend food from trees in burlap or plastic bags or backpacks.
• Rope — Hang containers or storage bags 12 feet above ground, 10 feet from the tree trunk and 5 feet from the nearest branch.
• Cleaning supplies — Wipe away any food debris on eating utensils or spills on camp chairs and tables.
• Trash bags — Store trash as you would food. Burning or burying waste attracts bears.
While camping, bears might wander through your campsite. But, if food is prepared and stored properly and spills are cleaned, they should continue through. Where bears are plentiful, store food in government-approved, bear-proof containers.
The DNR says to never intentionally feed a bear or other wildlife. It's in the best interest for both people and wildlife to not come in contact.
