Black Bears
Your birdfeeder is a bearfeeder.
We have black bears! Depending on where you live in the subdivision you may see them often or never. There is fewer than 1 fatal attack by a black bear each year in all of North America. The handful of aggressive attacks are usually initiated by an encounter with a dog and the owner trying to intercede. We need to live with our awesome friends. That means keeping ourselves AND OUR bears safe. Bears who become too much of a nuisance may have to be destroyed regardless of whether the bear has cubs. Bears will get on our decks, break into our cars, and potentially break into our homes. They can pry open a unlocked window with ease. We may meet them on hikes around the property. We want them to not think of us as a food source. Anything that smells is an attractant to a bear. Birdfeeders, trash, dirty grills, food in car, etc. Generally black bears are not aggressive. Standing on their back legs and swaying is just a sign of trying to see you, and not an aggressive move. Please read the section below on "If you encounter a bear".
According to our Game Warden Bob Holder using Counter Assault Bear Spray is far more effective than using any type of firearm in stopping a bear who is being aggressive. He suggests having a canister at your home and also potentially carry one when out hiking. He also suggested that we keep rodent poisons in bear proof containers and that electric fencing is an effective deterrent.
From Bear INFO link ->
"Black bears are very common and may have become habituated to human food and garbage in many areas. While the chances of being injured by a black bear are very low, most human injuries are associated with black bears which have been eating human food or garbage. In addition to being illegal, feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, increases the potential for human injury and private property damage. In many cases, this results in the death of a bear. Ultimately, A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear!
You can help ensure the well-being of bears and their habitat by following the guidelines listed below. Learning to live with bears is fundamental to the quality of life to be enjoyed by visitors and residents in bear country.
Never, Never, feed bears or leave food out for pets, or other wild creatures to lure them up close for that perfect photo. Bears and other animals will return in an attempt to get another free meal after you have gone home. Often, the next visitor has to deal with a problem which you may have created.
Dispose of your trash in bear proof containers, if available.
Do not overfill or stack garbage outside of the container. Be sure that the latches engage after closing the door. If bear proof containers are not available, store your garbage in your garage or similar structure until trash day. If curbside garbage pick up is provided, put your trash out on the morning it will be picked up. While most garbage can shelters are attractive, they are not bear proof.
DO make birdfeeders and bird food inaccessible by discontinuing the feeding of birds from late March through November or by hanging feeders at least ten feet above the ground and six feet away from tree trunks.
DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
DO clean and store grills away after use.
DON’T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near year home may become “problem bears.
DON’T leave pet food outside overnight.
DON’T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR...
DO NOT RUN.
This may stimulate a bear’s instinct to chase and attack.
IF THE BEAR HAS NOT SEEN YOU,
stay calm, and back away slowly and give the bear room to escape. Talk out loud to make sure the bear is aware of your presence.
IF THE BEAR HAS SEEN YOU,
back away slowly while facing the bear. If you have small children with you, pick them up so that they don’t run or panic. Give the bear plenty of room to escape.
TRY TO SHOW THE BEAR
that you may be a danger to it. Make yourself appear larger, stand tall, open a jacket or shirt, yell, bang pots or pans, make a general commotion.
FIGHT BACK IF A BEAR ATTACKS YOU.
Use rocks, sticks, binoculars, cameras or any object that is available.
REPORT AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IMMEDIATELY.
Call your local Department of Fish and Game Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. After hours call the local police or sheriff’s office and ask to be put in contact with the local Department of Fish and Game.
BEARS SEEN WHEN HIKING OR CAMPING
Bears normally leave an area once they’ve sensed a human. If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance. Aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare.
DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
DO keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
DON’T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent. Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it between two trees.
DON’T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave an area."
Mountain Lions
There have been sighting of Mountain Lions in the area very occasionally. Please respect the wildlife and our natural habitat.
From USDA Tips..
"If You Encounter a Mountain Lion
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If you spot a mountain lion and the animal is unaware of you, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.
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Never approach a mountain lion especially one that is feeding or with kittens.
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Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Always give them a way to escape.
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Do not run. Remain calm. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
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Continue facing the mountain lion, and maintain eye contact.
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Do all you can to appear larger; Stand upright, raise your arms, raise your walking stick, open your jacket.
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If you have small children or pets with you, try to pick them up without turning away or bending over.
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Never bend over or crouch down, avoid looking like a four-legged prey animal . Again, Do not bend over to pick up a rock or stick off the ground. This action may trigger a pounce response in a mountain lion.
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If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice, and throw objects like the water bottle in your hand. The goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself.
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Try to remain standing to protect your head and neck.
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If attacked, fight back!! Use rocks, jackets, sticks to turn away the mountain lions.
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Report any mountain lion encounters or incident to the local Ranger District, or Fish and Wildlife Office."