A resident in the greater Eureka area of Cutten found an unexpected guest in her backyard over the weekend.
A bear was seen climbing the fence onto the roof of a neighbor's shed.
It’s not uncommon to see bears in and around communities located near bear habitats.
In fact, the Cutten resident, JoAnn Snyder Lemos, said she sees them frequently in her backyard, so they take extra precautions to prevent unwanted visitors -- but it takes a village.
"We always take care to feed our pets in the garage, no bird feeders, and no berry vines growing on our property, Snyder Lemos said. "We even store our garbage cans in the garage and don’t take them out until morning pickup. We’re always hoping our neighbors do the same, but..."
A bear sighting alone is not always a cause for concern, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
There are many things residents can do if bear sightings become common where they live.
The following are helpful tips from the CDFW on what to do if you live in an area where bears frequent.
CDFW GUIDE TO LIVING IN BEAR COUNTRY
If you encounter a bear in your yard:
- Slowly back away. DO NOT approach the bear.
- Allow the bear plenty of room to pass or withdraw.
- Once you are a safe distance away, encourage the bear to leave by banging pots and pans or making other loud noises.
If you encounter a bear in your home:
- Do not approach the bear.
- Remove yourself from danger.
- When safe, call 911.
- Do not block any exits that the bear may use to escape.
Bears are attracted to anything that is edible or smelly.
Use the CDFW checklist below to help bear-proof your home:
- Garbage problems can be solved with the purchase and correct use of a bear-proof garbage container. Save money by sharing one with a neighbor.
- For bear-proof containers and where to buy them visit www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/products.html.
- Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.
- Don’t leave trash, groceries or animal feed in your car.
- Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.
- Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.
- Avoid using bird feeders. They are a powerful attractant.
- Don’t leave any scented products outside, even nonfood items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
- Keep barbecue grills clean.
- Keep pet food and pets inside.
- Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.
- Keep doors and windows closed and locked. Scents can lure bears inside.
- Consider installing motion-detector alarms, electric fencing or motion-activated sprinklers.
- Remove all food from homes and cabins that will be unoccupied for an extended period of time.
If a bear causes damage to your home or property, contact your Department of Fish and Wildlife Regional Office.
The CDFW will provide strategies to make your property less attractive to bears, explain the depredation permit process and may conduct a site inspection.
"Remember...it’s up to all of us to help keep bears alive and wild for generations to come," the CDFW said online.
TO REPORT A BEAR PROBLEM
Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Northern Region office at 530-225-2300.