When the DEC temporarily closed campsites and lean-tos in the Lake Colden area Sunday — due to the aggressive bear looking for food — a press release said the closure would not last long. We knew exactly what that meant. We’ve seen it before. When a hungry bear becomes a threat to humans, it is usually killed. And that’s what happened here. By Monday, the bear was caught and euthanized, and the camping areas were reopened.

Campers can minimize human-bear interactions by following these guidelines:

1. Keep campsites and lean-tos as clean as possible;

2. Clean up after all meals immediately. Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and wash basins clean when not in use;

3 Leave coolers and food inside car trunks or truck cabs;

4. Store food and coolers in food lockers when available;

5. Never keep food, coolers, or scented items in tents when camping. Store toiletries securely with coolers and food;

6. Do not put grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles, or other refuse in the fireplace; and

7. Dispose of garbage in the campground’s dumpsters every evening.

Visitors to the backcountry are encouraged to:

1. Pack a minimal amount of food. Use lightweight and dehydrated foods. Plan all meals to avoid leftovers;

2. Use bear-resistant food canisters, which are required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park;

3. Cook and eat before dark and cook away from campsites;

4. Avoid spills and drippings while cooking and do not pour grease into fire pits; and

5. Never leave food unattended.

If you encounter a bear:

1. Don’t panic. Most bears are as afraid of people as people are of bears;

2. Never approach, surround, or corner a bear;

3. Back away slowly. Do not run;

4. Do not throw backpacks or food at bears. If bears are rewarded with food, they will continue to seek food from people; and

5. If feeling threatened by a bear, raise your arms over your head to look bigger and yell loudly at the bear while slowly backing away.