PHOENIX — If operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) is going to be part of your Labor Day weekend plans, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges enthusiasts to put safety first and avoid unnecessary risks.
“We see many people out enjoying Arizona’s roads and trails over long holiday weekends, and that includes Labor Day,” said Kim Jackson, boating and OHV safety education program manager. “We want everyone who spends time on their OHV to have a fun outing and, more importantly, return home safely.”
There are many actions that operators of OHVs — including all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and side-by-sides — can take to ride safely and help ensure the safety of their passengers:
- Wear a helmet. This is a requirement for all operators and passengers under 18 — but strongly recommended for everyone. Wearing a helmet can reduce the chances of a traumatic brain injury by as much as 50 percent.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will help keep the operator and any passengers inside the side-by-side in the event of an accident.
- Don’t speed. Reasonable and prudent is always the law.
- Only carry the number of passengers recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Many accidents are the result of too many people riding a machine that was designed for fewer passengers.
- Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves, and over-the-ankle boots.
- Never ride alone.
- Be prepared and equipped with a map, first-aid kit and whistle, and have basic tools on hand.
- Leave details about the trip, including destination and expected time of return, with a friend or family member who can follow up to ensure everyone made it home safely.
- Stay on designated trails.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, one registered owner of an OHV is required to take a free safety education course, “OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona,” in order to purchase a decal. For more information about rules and regulations, as well as places to ride, visit azgfd.gov/OHV.
“Bear Aware”
PHOENIX – Planning to spend some time outdoors in Arizona’s high country this Labor Day weekend? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding campers, hikers and other outdoor recreationists how important it is to be “bear aware.”
While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell and affinity for food sources from humans can be problematic for both the animals and people. AZGFD officials advise those living in or visiting bear country to remove or block access to trash, food or other attractants (such as pet food or birdseed). Unfortunately, a fed bear all too often becomes a dead bear.
“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of people and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, AZGFD’s regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”
Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears:
When camping
- Keep food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent.
- Don’t burn leftover food or trash on the grill.
- Set up a campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.
When hiking
- Don’t wear scented lotions or perfumes.
- Make noise or hike in groups.
- Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times.
In case of a bear encounter
- Do NOT run.
- Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear.
- Make yourself as large and imposing as possible. Stand upright and wave your arms, jacket or other items. Make loud noises, such as yelling, whistles, and, if camping, banging pots and pans.
- Throw items and yell at the bear.
- If attacked, fight back with everything in your power – fists, sticks, rocks, and E.P.A.-registered bear pepper spray.
And if you live in bear country, here are some tips to secure your home
- Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
- Don’t feed bears or other wildlife. Be aware that human behaviors, such as feeding other animals, can attract black bears.
- Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.
- Hang bird feeders at least 10 feet above ground and away from buildings, including porches, and use a tray to catch spills. Take bird feeders down at night. Discontinue feeding if a bear is in the area.
- Clean barbecues and store in a secure area.
Bears exhibiting aggressive behavior toward people or hanging out in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD by calling (623) 236-7201.
AZGFD’s Living with Bears web page is a great resource for everything from bear facts to safety essentials.
AZGFD also has produced a video on how to be “bear aware.”
