Pasadena Bear Sightings Proliferate

The public is reminded that bears do live in local mountains and foothills and are still among us, city officials said today.

A resident of Linda Glen, off Linda Vista, reported seeing a bear at approximately 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, July 10 in the yard. Over the past weekend, other bear sightings were reported of bears rummaging through trash cans on Wierfield Drive, off Glen Oaks, north of Patrician Way. These two locations are about one quarter of a mile apart. Linda Glen is over a small hill and just east, overlooking the Rose Bowl.

Pasadena’s foothill neighborhoods are especially apt to have bear visitors during summer and fall months, especially when it is hot and not a lot of rainfall. Eating from fruit trees and drinking from swimming in pools, spas and ponds are activities which will most likely increase if the bear populations continue to increase.

Remember, never approach a bear, especially baby cubs because the Mother Bear will be nearby and will be extremely protective. If a bear attacks a person, immediately call 9-1-1.

If you see a bear, contact the California Dept. of Fish and Game, the Humane Society and Pasadena Police.

Other “Bear Essentials” to consider:

Give bears as much room as you possibly can. If you see a bear in a residential community, leave the area and call 9-1-1.

Never leave food and trash unsecured outdoors as bears and other animals are attracted to anything edible or smelly. When wild animals are allowed to feed on human food and garbage, they lose their natural ways – often resulting in death for the animal.

Store garbage in bear-proof containers, or store garbage in your garage until pick-up.

Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers.

Put away picnic leftovers; clean BBQ grills.

Keep pet food inside, and bird feeders away.

Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing.

Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles.

Install or request bear-proof trash containers.

Keep a close watch on children, and teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.

While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.

Never keep food in your tent.

Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.

Keep a clean camp by cleaning up and storing food and garbage immediately after meals.

If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible. If attacked, fight back.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html