Area in Olympic National Park re-opens to camping

PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) — A popular area in Olympic National Park has re-opened to camping after it was closed seven weeks ago due to issue with black bears.

The park says rangers and wildlife biologists have been monitoring the Enchanted Valley in the southeast part of the park. They determined that black bears in the area appeared to be behaving normally.

The area was closed on April 24 after visitors reported black bears eating human food. They also noted the animals approached people and appeared to be unafraid.

The park says backpackers camping in the Enchanted Valley are required to secure food in canisters. Canisters are available on loan at the park's Wilderness Information Centers and some park ranger stations.