| Bears. They share the San Gabriel Valley with us, and they’re about ready to wake up for the season. Find out more about our wild ursine neighbors. | |||||
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The bears that live in California are Black Bears. Specifically, in Southern California the local bears are all members of the subspecies Ursus Americana Californiensis, or California Black Bear*[1]. Think you’ve seen a brown bear? Chances are you were fooled by its color! Black Bears come in a wide range of colors, including blonde, medium brown, reddish brown and black. The term Brown Bear, on the other hand, typically refers to the Grizzly, which has been extinct in California for over a hundred years. According to the Los Angeles Almanac, the last known Grizzly Bear in Southern California was killed in Sunland by farmer Cornelius Johnson in October of 1916.[2] But no matter their color, our local bears typically hibernate in dens made in hollow trees or under large rocks,[3] napping from December to March each year. This means they should be waking up for the season now, and it’s time to begin securing those trash barrels regularly! Bears naturally eat a diverse diet of berries, fruit, insects, fish, and even deer if they are hungry enough.[4] Because they are omnivores with diets resembling those of humans, bears also love our garbage. They like to tear trash bags open and sort through the contents to select the most delicious options. I have seen bears clean out honey sauce containers and leave tomato slices behind. Other favorites include licking clean the packaging from grocery store roast chickens or take-out sushi. |  | ||||
| What should you do if you encounter a bear? | |||||
Typically, black bears don’t want anything to do with humans directly. They are mostly non-aggressive and will leave if you make them feel unwelcome. The Pasadena Humane Society suggests if you encounter a bear, provide him a clear escape route to leave. Then make eye contact with him and yell.[5] This should encourage him to go in another direction. If you have a child or small dog with you, pull them close or pick them up so the two of you appear as a single (large) individual. The National Park Service says to identify yourself as human by speaking to the bear.[6] Making yourself appear large, by standing on higher ground, putting your arms up and using a wide stance, and even using a low-toned voice, may help the bear to understand that there’s no point in messing with you. Things you should NOT do include getting between a Mama Bear and her cubs, running away, climbing a tree (bears are better climbers than people are) or throwing food in its direction. If you find bears are visiting you frequently, or you need help, contact California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who has jurisdiction over bear matters. | | ||||
| How do I get a bear-resistant trash can? | |||||
The short answer is: Just Ask! If you live in the city of Pasadena (or a portion of Altadena that’s covered by the City of Pasadena’s Waste Management Team) you can call (626) 744-7311, request a bear proof can and provide your address. The availability of bear barrels depends on your specific location. If your trash service is managed by Los Angeles County because you live in parts of Altadena, or a portion of East Pasadena, contact Universal Waste Systems, Inc. at 627-677-3990. UWS will forward you a google doc form to complete with your address and other basic to request a “bear cart.” In La Canada, go to the Athens Service website and complete a simple online form. In South Pasadena, you can reach Athens Services at (888) 336-6100 to inquire. |  | ||||
[1]California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/COQA/how-many-bear-species-live-in-california#gsc.tab=0 2 Los Angeles Almanac https://www.laalmanac.com/environment/ev15.php 3 California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Black-Bear#572783427-black-bear-behavior 4 National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/american-black-bear.htm#:~:text=Most%20of%20their%20diet%20consists,on%20young%20elk%20and%20deer. 5 Pasadena Humane: https://pasadenahumane.org/services/wildlife/other-wild-animal-resources/ 6 National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm 7 California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/COQA/how-many-bear-species-live-in-california#gsc.tab=0 | |||||
