Aggressive Black Bear and Cub Cause Oregon Coast Range Campground Shutdown

Published 08/14/2026 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(McMinnville, Oregon) – You may want to read this one in your best Yogi or Boo-Boo voice. (File photo ODFW)

A park in the Oregon Coast Range has been temporarily shut down because of a black bear mom and cub. And yes, it seems a “pic-a-nic basket” played a part – so to speak.

A mother bear and her cub have been aggressively searching for food in and around Fan Creek Campground on the Nestucca River Corridor, according to Tillamook officials. The sightings are prompting federal land managers to temporarily close the site roughly 25 miles west of McMinnville.

“The bears have been threatening to visitors, and they do not seem to be afraid of humans,” said Janet Satter, Tillamook Field Manager. “For everyone's safety, the campground is closed for the time being.”

Courtesy photo

Satter said staff are contacting visitors with affected reservations. “We are reaching out to visitors with impacted reservations, and we thank them for their flexibility and for respecting this temporary closure,” she added.

The Bureau of Land Management is directing campers to other reservable sites along the corridor, including Dovre and Alder Glen campgrounds. Officials are also working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to address the public-safety concern.

The agency continues to urge caution in bear country. Visitors are advised to give bears space, secure food and understand safety practices before entering public lands. If a bear is encountered, officials recommend staying calm, speaking in a steady voice, backing away slowly and avoiding sudden movements. Bear encounters should be reported to BLM field offices once it is safe to do so.

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