INFORMATION RELEASE

Bears are out and about in the community and can be fun to see but it is important for all of us to do our part to keep people and bears safe. Citizens can help limit contact with bears in residential areas by removing bird seed, pet food and garbage from areas accessible to bears and by protecting your chicken coops and other livestock with electric fences. Keeping barbeque grills and smokers clean is also helpful. Minimizing these attractants is the best way to reduce the amount of time a bear will be in your neighborhood.

If you have a problem with a bear around your home, be sure that you and your family are in a safe location such as inside a vehicle or residence. Loud noises may be used to scare the bear away. If a bear is a threat to a person?s life or to your property, you should call for police or Fish and Game response.

It is not necessary to report bears walking through the area or displaying routine bear activity to the police. If you are aware of a litter issue or other bear attractants, notify the police on a business line. Do not use 9-1-1 for these issues, as we need to keep 9-1-1 lines available to field emergency calls for service. A bear walking through a neighborhood does not constitute an emergency call. If a bear is acting aggressive toward a person or is inside a residence, the police should be called.