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Bearly in Time for Summer: Wildlife Problems
By Ronald Perrault, California Fish and Game Warden
California has an ample supply of wild bears, estimated between 17,000 and 24,000. These are all black bears which come in several color phases: blond, cinnamon, brown, to black; and weigh 200 to 600 pounds. They are
excellent tree climbers. As omnivores, bears eat plants, berries, insects, and small to medium mammals. They are also opportunistic feeders, delighting in out garbage. When they become habituated to garbage or to
people purposely feeding them, a problem bear is created. It would rather eat leftovers from garbage cans, seed from bird feeders, and pet food.
Prior to the 1990's, problem bears were trapped and relocated. Unfortunately, this solution did not work. As the human population in California climbs to 32 million, there are fewer places to transport problem bears,
who would only continue to cause problems at the new site.
Current California Department of Fish and Game Policy is described below:
- Trapping and relocation is not an option except in unique situations.
- Bears are classified as a nuisance where a bear or tracks are seen.
- Recommendations to the public are made to remove the possible bear attractants.
- A nuisance bear tips over garbage cans, walks across porches, etc. DFG recommends reasonable corrective measures to solve the problem; such as, cleaning up the area, bear-proofing food and garbage areas, putting
electric fencing around beehives, temporarily closing campsites, and/or harassing them with scare devices.
- If a bear causes damage to dwellings, vehicles, apiaries, etc., DFG will investigate the problem and try reasonable corrective measures. If the situation dictates, a depredation permit may be issued to destroy
the offending animal.
- If extensive and/or chronic damage is caused; such as, livestock killed and/or injured, entries in a home where there are not obvious bear attractants, and repeated damage where corrective efforts have failed,
then a depredation permit is issued.
None of us wants to create a problem bear. If you or your neighbors are purposely feeding bears, PLEASE STOP. If bears are attracted to your garbage cans, please spray them daily with ammonia/water or Pinesol/water
mixture. The best way is to dedicate a 1 to 3 gallon garden sprayer and drenching the garbage, including inside the garbage sacks. The entire garbage source should be rendered uneatable, especially if bears are
already in the habit of raiding your garbage can. In addition, you may wish to separately package and freeze fish bones, chicken bones, or other leftovers in plastic bags to reduce attractive odors. Put them in the
garbage on pickup day.
Bears may also be attracted to leftover pet food. Please feed your pet, then clean up the bowl and leftovers immediately. Bears are also attracted to bird feeders. If bears frequent your neighborhood, please be aware
that these food items are attractants and REMOVE THEM. GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR YOU COOPERATION!!!
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