Ponderosa Campground near Payson re-opens

Ponderosa campground area closure lifted

Tonto National Forest, Payson, Ariz. 

 

Payson, Ariz. (June 12, 2012) – Tonto National Forest officials announced today the lifting of a temporary closure which was put into place due to a bear attack at the Ponderosa Campground on May 31. 

            The purpose of the closure was to provide for public health and safety during the management of the bear attack incident.

According to Arizona Game and Fish (AZGFD) officials, a variety of strategies were attempted in vain to capture the bear.  None were successful and there have been no signs of the bear returning to the vicinity. 

 

AZGFD officials caution the public, however, that there have been increased bear sightings reported this year due to the ongoing drought.

 

For more information about wildlife on the Tonto National Forest, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Mesa Office at 480-981-9400.

For further information about the area closure, see the forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/tonto or call the Payson Ranger District administrative offices at: 928-474-7900.
                                                                      

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To practice “Bear Aware” safety behaviors, please pay attention to the following suggestions posted on the Arizona Game and Fish website (http://azgfd.gov/)