Beware of treat-seeking bears

The Halloween holiday and all the festivities that accompany its celebration is nearing. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office wishes to remind our community of several important safety issues.

- Parents should not allow their children to trick-or-treat without adult supervision.

- Visit only those homes that you or your child are familiar with.

- Children should be told to never enter someone's home without parental permission.

- Children should never approach any vehicle and report to an adult if someone tries to entice them towards a vehicle.

- No treats should be eaten until inspected by an adult.

- Costumes should be reflective, none restrictive, not pose as a tripping hazard and allow the child to breath and see without obstruction.

- Drivers. Be extremely vigilant for children darting through the darkness.

Something to keep in mind this year is the commonness of bears in our neighborhoods.

Bears love sweets and may be attracted by the scent of a child's trick-or-treat bag. If confronted by a bear, stay with others in a group, do not try to run away.

You can't out run a bear and it may provoke a pursuit. Slowly back away, heading for shelter. Talk calmly amongst yourselves so that the bear identifies you as human. If necessary, drop your trick-or-treat bag as you retreat, but do not throw it at the bear as it may be mistaken as an act of aggression.

Give the bear a wide berth as you seek shelter.

One sure way to avoid all of these pitfalls is to have your child participate in the Douglas County Sheriff's Halloween Safety Street program. On Oct.. 31 from 3 p.m.- 8 p.m., local businesses and service organizations will be on hand with candy galore at the CVIC Hall in Minden. The hall will be adorned in the Halloween spirit.

Children will move from doorway to doorway in our mock ghost town and collect enough candy to make any dentist smile. The costumes and decorations of our participating candy merchants will be appropriate for children of all ages. Prizes and contests add to the fun and festivities. To help support this celebration year after year, a $2 cover charge is asked for each participating child.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office wishes everyone a safe and Happy Halloween.