Thirteen-year-old Rick Voss continues to recover in a hospital after being attacked by a black bear in the Twin Lakes campground near Leadville.

He was sleeping in his tent, but other campers say they heard the bear ransacking coolers nearby before wandering into Voss' tent.

It's hard to know why bears attack, but some simple tips could keep avid hikers and campers out of danger. Bear attacks are unusual, but it's important to know what to do if ever confronted by one.

"It always crosses my mind, I think about (bears) every time I go but yes, I’m always somewhat concerned about bears,” hiker Ron Leichliter said.

Food is a common reason bears go into campgrounds, but simple food containers can be purchased at most recreational stores. It allows people to store food in a place bears won’t be able to get into. Wildlife experts say if bear safe containers aren't available, keep food stored as far from the campsite as possible--inside cars or trailers.

Bears have an extremely keen sense of smell and campers should change clothes after cooking their meals before going inside their tents.

"I see the signs everywhere and (some say) don’t have food on your clothes. (With) a two year old, that’s really interesting,” Caroline Rudzinkski said.

Hikers should make noise by using bear bells, talking or even singing so they don't stumble upon bears and startle them. Bear deterrent, also known as bear spray, is flying off the shelves in local camping stores. It’s one of the most recommended ways to protect yourself if a bear ever starts approaching you aggressively.

Experts also say never run from a bear, the best thing to do is to just stay aware of your surroundings.

“We’re trying to stay on the safe side. I’m kind of a little bit scared because since we don’t have bears in Germany I was like ‘do they really come out?’ and a friend of mine who’s lived here since forever, he’s like ‘oh yes’,” Rudzinski said.

Generally speaking, bears are more active at dawn and dusk, so plan outings accordingly. The bear involved in the July 15 attack was killed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials mainly because it was overly aggressive.