Living Responsibly in Bear Country

On May 12 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hosted a "bear aware" public meeting at the BeeKay Theater in Tehachapi. The presentation on how to cohabitate with our native California black bears was very informative.

We were treated to nearly a full hour of slides and insights as to black bear behavior by CDFW biologist Vicky Monroe. Ms. Monroe is known for her research into the native California black bear and its relationship with humans. She informed the audience of how best to react as an individual, as a city representive, and as a law enforcement officer.

Bear proofing your family, your pets and your home were covered in great detail. "Our native black bears wish to avoid human contact, as much as we wish to be safe from them," stated Ms. Monroe.

It was a night of great insight as to the habits of these animals, their needs to search out food, and, especially during this heavy drought period, water. If cubs are present a black bear coming in contact with a human may perceive danger to her young and become aggressive just by the sight of the person. Many precautions and rules were discussed.

1) "Never, never, never feed bears." They will return looking for a handout and if none is present they will start to forage your property in search of anything they can find.

2) Use bear-proof garbage cans. Bears are persistant, and can figure out how to open most garbage cans containing food inside.

3) Never approach a bear. If a bear cub is present, be very aware that your presence may constitute a defensive reaction from the mother bear.

4) Keep pets away from bears and teach all children to stay away from bears and their cubs.

Additional information is available at

http://www.KeepMeWild.org.