Forest and wildlife officials are alerting the public to increased black bear activity in and around Blue Lakes in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness they say is caused by campers improperly storing and disposing of food.

Kimberlee Phillips, spokeswoman for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests, said the Forest Service office has received reports of bears approaching hikers and campers in the area.

“We thought it would be very important to make sure that we let folks know there is...