Bears in LA: A Surprisingly Hairy Situation
You might be thinking, "Bears? In Los Angeles? Are you kidding me? This isn't the Great Outdoors!" Well, buckle up, because it's time to bust some myths and dive into the surprisingly wild world of LA wildlife.
The Bear Necessities: LA Edition
It's true, the image of a grizzly charging down Hollywood Boulevard is about as likely as seeing a Kardashian with a brain. But hold your horses (or bear, if you will). While our city is more renowned for its starlets and traffic jams, there's a growing population of black bears making their home in the surrounding mountains.
These aren't your cuddly teddy bear types. They’re the kind of bears that can turn your backyard barbecue into a bear-y scary experience. They're smart, resourceful, and have an uncanny ability to find your trash. Trust me, they're better at dumpster diving than any human could ever be.
Bear Aware: Staying Safe in Bear Country
So, what's a person to do? Should you invest in bear spray or a Kevlar onesie? The short answer is: probably not. But there are some common-sense precautions you can take:
- Secure your trash: This is the golden rule. Bears are attracted to food, and your garbage is their all-you-can-eat buffet. Get a bear-resistant bin or at least make sure your trash is securely sealed.
- Don't feed the bears: This should be obvious, but you'd be surprised. No matter how cute you think they are, feeding a bear is a bad idea. It makes them reliant on humans for food, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Be bear aware: If you're hiking in bear country, make noise. Bears generally want to avoid humans, so let them know you're there. Carry bear spray, just in case. And remember, if you see a bear, admire it from afar and give it plenty of space.
How to... Bear Essentials
- How to avoid a bear encounter: Stay aware of your surroundings, make noise while hiking, and store food properly.
- How to behave if you see a bear: Don't approach the bear. Back away slowly and make yourself appear large.
- How to deter a bear from your property: Secure your trash, remove attractants like bird feeders, and install motion-activated lights.
- How to coexist with bears: Educate yourself about bear behavior and take steps to minimize human-bear conflicts.
- How to report a bear sighting: Contact your local wildlife agency for guidance.
So, while it's unlikely you'll be sharing your pool with a bear anytime soon, it's good to be prepared. After all, it’s always better to be bear aware than bear sorry.