As humans continue to build homes closer to the forest in southern California, black bears are becoming more common visitors to residential areas. Residents in Sierra Madre have reported bears breaking into their homes, cars, and yards as they search for food, water, and shelter in preparation for hibernation during winter. Mitigation efforts, such as providing bear-resistant trash cans, have been implemented to reduce human-bear interactions.
While some residents, like Susan and Bob Nesler, have had a bear repeatedly enter their home, they have worked with California officials to safely manage the situation. The increase in bear sightings is not unique to Sierra Madre, as communities near the forest, such as Altadena and Monrovia, have also experienced similar encounters.
The presence of bears in residential areas is expected to continue as the black bear population in California has increased in recent years. As humans encroach on once wild areas, there is a growing likelihood of wildlife sightings in suburban neighborhoods. Despite the rise in bear sightings, experts like Tim Daly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasize that black bears are not inherently dangerous and tend to avoid attacking humans.
Residents are encouraged to take preventative measures to protect their homes, such as securing trash cans and closing off potential entry points for bears. If encountered by a bear, individuals should remain calm, slowly back away, and avoid running as this may trigger the bear’s response. Overall, coexisting with bears in suburban areas requires a balance between respecting wildlife and implementing practical strategies to minimize conflicts.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
