These bears seem to be enjoying the amenities of humans and, indeed, if humans leave food, pet food, bird food and garbage out, bears will come around and frequently. According to articles in the Sierra Sun, The Nevada Division of Wildlife along with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bear League are encouraging people to be “’bear aware.” The goal is to keep bears wild and eliminate the nuisance they cause when they are attracted by human food and garbage. Wildlife officials in the North Lake Tahoe region receive many calls about bears that are breaking into houses, poking around garbage bins and ransacking campsites. If the bears become habituated to humans and the human environment, they may need to be trapped and killed. This is more a problem with the humans than the bears. “If you don’t want bears, don’t do anything that will attract them.” They should be out in the wilderness hunting for nuts and berries.
• All garbage should be kept in bear proof containers.
• When you are away, keep doors and windows securely closed and locked.
• Do not leave food, ice chests, or trash in vehicles.
• Clean your barbecue after each use and store in a secure place.
• Block access to good hiding places such as crawl spaces and under decks and porches.
Every year bears die because of human action—hit by cars, illegally shot or euthanized because they have become a nuisance to humans. Conversely, while black bears can be dangerous, Ann Bryant of the Bear League said that, “no human has ever been fatally attacked by a black bear in California or Nevada.” Further, “they’ve always been here and they’re not going away. We have to make it work for us.”
To read both articles click on the links below:
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