Black bear sightings are on the rise in Zion National Park, officials say

SPRINGVILLE, Washington County — A corner of Zion National Park has signs warning visitors to beware of black bears, as sightings have increased this year.

Janice Stroud-Settles, wildlife biologist and wildlife program manager at Zion National Park, told St. George News that although the American black bear is rarely seen, its presence in the park is increasing.

“We had a lot of sightings this year, more than in previous years,” Stroud-Settles said. “We saw about seven bears between May and June, and they were all at high elevations.”

Stroud-Settles said the bear was spotted along Kolob Terrace Road, the Lava Point area and Lava Point Campground. This area is located in the northern part of the park and on the eastern plateau at an elevation of about 8,000 feet.

Read the full story at St. George News.