SALT LAKE CITY — The number of black bears in Utah has increased over the past several years.

The prevalence of more bears in Utah has led to more run-ins between bears and people. And conflicts between bears and domestic cattle and sheep are increasing too.

For Utah's 2015 bear hunting seasons, biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources are recommending some hunting changes. The changes aim to result in a few more bears being taken while still keeping plenty in the state.

Changes being considered include a spring limited-entry hunt; summer limited-entry hunt; fall limited-entry, archery-only hunt; fall limited-entry hunt; and a harvest-objective hunt.

Regional Advisory Council meetings will be held in early December in Springville, Brigham City, Beaver, Green River and Vernal for interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Utahns can also email their regional council members with input.

Proposed hunting changes, council meeting schedules and email addresses of council members are available at wildlife.utah.gov.

Council chairmen will share the input they receive with members of the Utah Wildlife Board. The board will meet in Salt Lake City on Jan. 8 to approve rules for Utah's 2015 bear hunts.

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