Recent sightings of Black Bears in the Marin County cities of Novato and San Rafael have brought to light the return of bears to our ecosystem. Soon, Bay Area residents might find themselves living alongside Black Bears, as people do in other parts of the country.
WildCare calls on all Bay Area residents to become "bear aware" and take steps to avoid attracting Black Bears with food. By doing so, we can maintain the wildness of these bears and prevent potential conflicts.
Black Bears are naturally shy creatures and have no interest in interacting with humans, our belongings, or our pets. However, they can get into trouble when exposed to human-provided food, leading to habituation and conflicts. As the saying goes, "a fed bear is a dead bear," especially in populated areas like ours.
Join us in taking WildCare's pledge to be Bay Area Bear Aware. When a bear is sighted in your area, pledge to:
- Not feed the bears: Feeding bears, intentionally or inadvertently, poses risks to both them and us. Please refrain from feeding them for their safety and ours.
- Remove outdoor food sources: Pick up fallen fruit daily and promptly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables to reduce attractants. This helps keep bears wild.
- Keep your barbeque grill clean: After grilling, burn off excess food residue and scrub your grill to avoid attracting bears with savory smells.
- Consider your bird feeder: In areas where bears have become a nuisance, experts recommend removing bird feeders or bringing them in at night to reduce bear encounters.
- Contain your garbage: Secure your garbage cans tightly with a bungee cord and place them in a garage or shed, if possible. Regularly wash and disinfect cans to minimize odors that attract bears.
Let's work together to foster a safe coexistence with Black Bears in the Bay Area. Sign the pledge and take action for the well-being of our community and our wildlife.
