A bear near Sebastopol

Good news! I just talked at length with Larry at the wildlife desk at F&G.

F&G does have the resources to tranquilize and move the bear, (or sometimes they will simply capture it without tranquillizing and move it). They would move it to a wilder area, like the Mendocino Forest.

Larry said that F&G are monitoring the bear and it looks like it's heading west; they're hoping it will get to a more suitable habitat on its own.

Then I called the F&G biologist to determine what event would be adequate to justify them moving the bear. Left a msg. Stay tuned....

There are at least two bears currently in West County. Two juvenile-sized bears were spotted together, crossing Dutch Bill Creek along Bohemian Hwy, on Monday evening 6/10. My opinion is that these two youngsters probably have relatives in the area, also. Regardless of how many there are, these creatures are no threat to humans unless humans threaten them. Can't we all just get along?

Can't we all just get along?
That is everyone's hope, of course. But it's comforting to know that if things go awry that F&G can come and move the bear(s), rather than kill them.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by markfassett:

There are at least two bears currently in West County. Two juvenile-sized bears were spotted together, crossing Dutch Bill Creek along Bohemian Hwy, on Monday evening 6/10. My opinion is that these two youngsters probably have relatives in the area, also. Regardless of how many there are, these creatures are no threat to humans unless humans threaten them. Can't we all just get along?

---

It's up to us of course, but our history of coexisting with other species is-as you all know-sickening. So very sadly it's a pipe dream to believe that all non-human animals , with the possible exception of rodents and members of the insect world, will not be in very dire straits within, optimistically, the coming 100 years. We can't live harmoniously beside our animal brethren. We're simply not evolved enough. This is not a grand, novel concept. It should be apparent to everyone.

Yes, some are learning-many attitudes and tolerances have shifted. Many plans are in action, a host of advocacy groups and agencies, even legislation enacted or on the table, etc.. Yet it remains a gloomy prediction. And I'm ordinarily so hopeful in this "rights of all life" arena. But not today for some reason. There are at least 7 billion of us, 2/3 at a minimum are ass......

If we could just colonize another planet and send the jerks there (facetious!). All problems that I can think of are either directly or indirectly negatively associated with there being just too many people. Our bear dilemma is a prime example.

I'm done. I'm grumpy today. I'm preaching to the choir. I apologize for my rant. This post should be tossed by Barry!

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

If we could just colonize another planet and send the jerks there (facetious!). All problems that I can think of are either directly or indirectly negatively associated with there being just too many people. Our bear dilemma is a prime example.

---

How about we all pray for the Rapture? Then all the jerks who hate the planet can go to Heaven and leave us here alone.

Probably equally unlikely as interstellar travel in the near future, but I can dream ...

Richard

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by bodegahead:

Salmon Creek runs through all Private property including an elementary school and a middle school. Not bear appropriate. I`ve lived out here on the coast 25 years and have never heard of a protected area or sanctuary.

---

There is in fact a state park there I just learned today. It's Willow Creek State Park and has been expanding for decades per my source. The state continues to buy available properties and then incorporate them into the state park system. There are campgrounds (Pomo) and hiking and riding trails, etc.. Whether animals are protected there I don't know but I would think so. This is the area a friend told me about a week, or so, ago and wondering if that was the bear's destination. I doubt it as it's not as if he received an email saying "come on over. It's safe with stupid human food scattered all over the place!" But it does exist.

Here's a link to a map of the park along with a pdf attachment of the park. Hope this works

https://www.sonomahikingtrails.com/p...ek-state-park/

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by geomancer:

How about we all pray for the Rapture? Then all the jerks who hate the planet can go to Heaven and leave us here alone.
Probably equally unlikely as interstellar travel in the near future, but I can dream ...

---

Speaking as a recovered Christian fundie, I'd say the Rapture is way less likely than interstellar travel in the near future. The Rupture, on the other hand...

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

All problems that I can think of are either directly or indirectly negatively associated with there being just too many people.

---

You're preaching to the choir, at least in my case. I got vasectomized when I was 30. I'm nearly certain I haven't added any hungry mouths to the planet. Here's the 16-line sonnet I wrote with the intention of reprogramming peoples' attitudes toward reproducing:

Motherhood

In love or lust alike, she radiates
her pheromonal philter through the air,
insinuating serpent to ensnare,
who, spitting venom, seals both their fates.

Invaded thusly by the hungry seeds,
her belly is a garden without light,
to nurture the blood-suckling parasite
that stretches and distorts her as it feeds.

Infected by this growth, her youth expires,
replaced by mother, born in clench and gore,
as alien bursts through her battered door,
to make the world a slave to its desires.

So Mother Earth gives birth to matricide
by progeny like locusts on the land.
This plague of children will not understand:
We are the cross on which She’s crucified.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

You're preaching to the choir, at least in my case. I got vasectomized when I was 30. I'm nearly certain I haven't added any hungry mouths to the planet. Here's the 16-line sonnet I wrote with the intention of reprogramming peoples' attitudes toward reproducing:

---

A bedtime story for my soon to visit 4 year old niece to be sure. I think not

Wandering bear makes backyard breakfast stop in Forestville

https://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local...st-stop/nYKps/

Not such good news today.

This is an update to my post yesterday where I reported on my conversation with Larry, a volunteer at F&G, who said they will move the bear. Apparently Larry didn't have all the information. Just had lengthy conversation with F&G biologist Conrad Jones. Long story short, if bear has caused damage to property it is no longer a candidate for relocation--Jones agreed that this was a catch-22, but that's the way it is. Furthermore, even if a bear has not caused any damage, right now F&G doesn't have a place to take it or even very good resources to do so.

The best hope for the bears is that they move north. That's what F&G is hoping for. The message they want to get out there is that if people want to save the bears' lives they need to do whatever they can to encourage them to move on. That means securing all livestock and pets and trash AND harvesting fruit in a timely manner and cleaning up fallen fruit. A single-wire electric fence can be effective. It's a pretty daunting task because bears eat so many things. Other means of encouraging the bear to move on are loud noises, like an airhorn.

The hope is that with such discouragement and encouragement the bear(s) will go further north in Sonoma county to a safe habitat.

Jones said a warden who had seen the bear in Occidental and then a photo of the bear in Forestville is pretty sure it's the same bear. Whether there's one or more, their best hope for survival is to move on. One depradation permit (allowing property owner to kill a bear that has caused damage) has already been issued, but fortunately the bear has since left the property. The permits are only good for a specific property.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Not such good news today....

---

The first words of truth from F&G-I guess Mr. Jones deserves kudos for being honest. I don't know that we have any recourse now, other than to place our hopes in the hands of The Big Guy or in whom you have faith. Can I have a depredation permit issued to me for a specific homeowner?

I am not an expert on the F&G and haven't had any prior experiences with them, but in my two recent conversations with them I found both people I spoke with to be sympathetic, informative, and fully sharing in our desire to save the bears.

There are bad guys and then there are good guys who are put in impossible positions. I don't think people get degrees in animal biology and go to work for the Dept of Fish and Game because they hate animals or want to kill them. I think that just like us they love the wild creatures and want to help them survive. In the case of the bears they are caught between these sentiments and having to abide by laws that protect private property. But the bottom line here is, they are on our side. They want to save the bears.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

The first words of truth from F&G-I guess Mr. Jones deserves kudos for being honest. I don't know that we have any recourse now, other than to place our hopes in the hands of The Big Guy or in whom you have faith. Can I have a depradation permit issued to me for a specific homeowner?

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

I am not an expert on the F&G and haven't had any prior experiences with them, but in my two recent conversations with them I found both people I spoke with to be sympathetic, informative, and fully sharing in our desire to save the bears.

There are bad guys and then there are good guys who are put in impossible positions. I don't think people get degrees in animal biology and go to work for the Dept of Fish and Game because they hate animals or want to kill them. I think that just like us they love the wild creatures and want to help them survive. In the case of the bears they are caught between these sentiments and having to abide by laws that protect private property. But the bottom line here is, they are on our side. They want to save the bears.

---

I'm sorry Peggy but they may be decent people but their chosen profession involves, to a personal extent, protecting wildlife. When they can't even lobby effectively enough to harness the resources to be able to relocate a "problem" animal who trampled upon some fences that we constructed on THEIR land, then I'm not at all tolerant or understanding of their practices in certain areas.

I'm not surprised that two bears were spotted since black bears can have twins or even triplets. At 2 years of age they are kicked out of the den and through their wandering develop the life skills they need. Because of how they learn, what attracts them and their strength and skills, we are a threat to them and in extreme cases, they can be a threat to us. .
This is not about coexistence. This is about respecting THEIR existence and the natural environment they need to thrive.
As far as I know, bears don't hang out in gangs or families, so having rellies nearby is not an issue. (Would appreciate more factual info if anyone knows more about bear families once an adolescent bear is independent.).
.
--Personally I appreciate everyone's input and the dialogue.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by markfassett:

There are at least two bears currently in West County. Two juvenile-sized bears were spotted together, crossing Dutch Bill Creek along Bohemian Hwy, on Monday evening 6/10. My opinion is that these two youngsters probably have relatives in the area, also. Regardless of how many there are, these creatures are no threat to humans unless humans threaten them. Can't we all just get along?

---

A million thanks for following up with DFG and also for this honest and balanced post. You have my gratitude!

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Not such good news today.

This is an update to my post yesterday where I reported that my conversation with Larry, a volunteer at F&G, who said they will move the bear. Apparently Larry didn't have all the information. Just had lengthy conversation with F&G biologist Conrad Jones,. Long story short, if bear has caused damage to property it is no longer a candidate for relocation--Conrad agreed that this was a catch-22, but that's the way it is. Furthermore, even if a bear has not caused any damage, right now F&G doesn't have a place to take it or even very good resources to do so.

The best hope for the bears is that they move north. That's what F&G is hoping for. The message they want to get out there is that if people want to save the bears' lives they need to do whatever they can to encourage them to move on. That means securing all livestock and pets and trash AND harvesting fruit in a timely manner and cleaning up fallen fruit. A single-wire electric fence can be effective. It's a pretty daunting task because bears eat so many things. Other means of encouraging the bear to move on are loud noises, like an airhorn.

The hope is that with such discouragement and encouragement the bear(s) will go further north in Sonoma county to a safe habitat.

Jones said a warden who had seen the bear in Occidental and then a photo of the bear in Forestville is pretty sure it's the same bear. Whether there's one or more, their best hope for survival is to move on. One depradation permit (allowing property owner to kill a bear that has caused damage) has already been issued, but fortunately the bear has since left the property. The permits are only good for a specific property.

---

How is this helpful? Personally I want to focus on whatever we can do to either relocate this bear or encourage it to move itself. I greatly appreciate the person who contacted DFG, respected their challenges--yet told us like it is.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

The first words of truth from F&G-I guess Mr. Jones deserves kudos for being honest. I don't know that we have any recourse now, other than to place our hopes in the hands of The Big Guy or in whom you have faith. Can I have a depredation permit issued to me for a specific homeowner?

---

PS from me-now that we know the reality, maybe it's time for that petition.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

A million thanks for following up with DFG and also for this honest and balanced post. You have my gratitude!

---

I would like to see more concern to protect all bears and all wildlife including mountain lions, cougars, coyotes, foxes wherever they may show up.

Bears and coyotes show up in human inhabited areas when the food supply these creatures depend on in the wild are not sufficient. Human encroachment and development has depleted the fish, and other food sources that once thrived in the creeks around this area. Also wineries, houses and other human developments around northern california have destroyed a lot of the plants, ecosystem that bears and coyotes and other animals need to live.

The bear in that photo looked thin. It could be malnourished and possibly starving. In the photo the bear was surrounded by vineyards and houses. At one time those vineyards and homes were forests and open land with creeks that this bear could have roamed, foraged for food and hibernated. Bears, coyotes and other animals do Not want to show up in human inhabited areas- They show up among humans because their original food supplies and land to roam have been taken away from them by humans. These animals, rightfully so, fear and dread humans and all that we as humans do to them and their lives. They are here where we humans live when there is no other place for them to find food and to roam.

A necessary remedy to this problem would be for us humans to find ways to live respectfully and peacefully with these animals when they show up near us. For us to understand why they are living near us because they have no other place to go and they need to survive. For us to realize we humans with our lifestyle, arrogance and disregard have created problems for wildlife. That the animals are suffering greatly because of us and our priorites.
That it is our ecological, moral and spiritual responsibility to learn to live with the wildlife and to respect their lives and their right to live. Maybe every person who has property in the country can set up an area for wildlife to forage and live undisturbed. Ancient people's did this practice and it helped maintain balance and respect between humans and the other creatures. Another effective, efficient solution to this situation would be for sonoma county and every county to have a wildlife or land trust refuge where these animals would be surrounded by the ecosystem they need to thrive and where they would be legallly and ecologically protected from human development and human encroachment. But creatures like bears, mountain lions and coyotes need a lot more land and expansive ecosystem to live than an occassional wildlife refuge can provide. This is why we need to make room for them to live respectfully and peacefully with us. Killing, trapping, and restricting them will not solve the problem and will only create more imbalances and disharmony ecologically and in other ways.

We need the bears and all the wildlife. The ecosystem and earth we live on needs all bears and creatures to thrive and have places to continue to live and regenerate. We need this in order to maintain the balance and harmony of the ecosystem and of life itself. We see how imbalances arise when certain species or plants go extinct. Every year sonoma county kills a large number of coyotes thru traps, poison or shooting. The state of california puts bounty rewards for hunters who can prove they have killed coyotes. This is horrifying and tragic.The animals are suffering here because there is not enough berries and food sources for the bears to sustain themselves on since so many of the plants and creeds bears depend on are damaged or gone. We need to replant the bushes the bears require to thrive, bring back the creeks and water sources they need and allow them plenty of good land for them to roam undisturbed without the risk of being tagged, drugged, trapped or killed. THis is my prayer. I am concerned about the bear in the photo and for all wildlife.

I was dissapointed by the sign from The Occidenta l" Ecology" Center that instructed people to "bear Proof" our homes and cars. Yes this is true. But there was no mention as an "ecology" center of what we might do to meet the needs of the bear and to be respectful and responsive to this bears life and well being What really must be done is to respect the wildlife and their lives by finding solutions to getting the bear's needs met. When this is done and the wildlife have the land, space and food supplies from creeks and plants to live, then the bears will" stop " showing up" in "our human areas." I care about the bear and all wildlife. I want to see them healthy, happy and able to thrive undisturbed. Does anyone else??

Put yourself in the position of the bear or the coyote. How must they feel hungry, tired surrounded by crazy humans who behave like voyeurs invading their every move and privacy by tagging them. THese animals just want us to leave them alone so they can live. Other times we humans behave like crazy monsters wanting to kill these coyotes and other animals. Why can't we humans stop our fears and need to dominate the land and other creatures. Our survival depends on us learning to share the land with the other creatures here and being able to respect their right to live.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by markfassett:

Having read all of these bear-related posts, and the reports of sightings from Occidental Ridge to Willow Creek to Camp Meeker to Monte Rio, and knowing someone who spotted two juvenile-sized bears crossing Dutch Bill Creek together -- I am surprised that the discussion here seems to be about wanting to relocate a single bear. I would bet that there are at least three hungry bears roaming West County these days (perhaps all closely related) -- which makes the task of tracking, tranquilizing, and relocating them quite a challenge. Like the mountain lions that routinely patrol our hills and valleys, I support learning to live with bears in our midst (while discouraging them from depending on our garbage and compost to survive).

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

How is this helpful? Personally I want to focus on whatever we can do to either relocate this bear or encourage it to move itself. I greatly appreciate the person who contacted DFG, respected their challenges--yet told us like it is.

---

I didn't realize that a prerequisite for posting was to be helpful, or to offer realistic solutions. Simply expressing one's feelings is part of becoming involved in a forum and, specifically in a topic close to one's heart. Or so I thought.

Spending time repeatedly, everyone including me, voicing the same questions sans even a glimmer of a realistic approach is not "helpful" either. I'll try to do better.

I'm still willing to set up a petition if someone will do the research on who to send it to. Perhaps that contct at Fish and Wildlife? Or was it fish and game?

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

PS from me-now that we know the reality, maybe it's time for that petition.

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

; at Fish and Wildlife? Or was it fish and game?

---

California Department of Fish and Wildlife press release:

Department Name Change Effective Tomorrow

December 31, 2012
by CDFW

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will become the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), effective Jan. 1.
The new name was mandated by AB 2402, which was signed Sept. 25 by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. and is one of numerous provisions passed into law during 2012 that affect the department.
“The name of the department was changed to better reflect our evolving responsibilities,” said Department Director Charlton H. Bonham. “As our role has grown to meet 21st century expectations, we remain committed to our traditional responsibilities and to honoring our deep roots in California’s natural resources legacy.”
Traditionally known as game wardens, the department’s law enforcement staff will now be called wildlife officers.
Californians will notice new Internet (www.wildlife.ca.gov) and email addresses for CDFW employees. The old URL and email addresses will continue to work indefinitely.
Many department materials will continue to bear the old name because AB 2402 reduced the cost associated with the name change by preventing CDFW from undergoing a wholesale turnover of materials, including signs, uniforms and supplies.
The mission of the department continues to be “to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.”
In furtherance of that mission, the department carries out numerous responsibilities related to the commercial, recreational, educational and scientific use and enjoyment of California’s natural resources.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I'm sorry Peggy but they may be decent people but their chosen profession involves, to a personal extent, protecting wildlife. When they can't even lobby effectively enough to harness the resources to be able to relocate a "problem" animal who trampled upon some fences that we constructed on THEIR land, then I'm not at all tolerant or understanding of their practices in certain areas.

---

Blaming the staff of DFW for their insufficient funding is a nonsensical and nonconstructive response. It is not their job to lobby for more funding any more than it's your job as a citizen to lobby for more funding for them. Furthermore, their DFW bosses have certainly been lobbying for more funding, but with limited success, as the money is being diverted to war and other oppressive but lucrative enterprises. I used to work in mental health; are you gonna castigate me for the lack of funding for mental health treatment? If you wanna castigate someone for inappropriately directing our tax dollars, start with the fuckwads who spend our money on wars and Wall Street handouts, and leave the peons of agencies like DFW alone. Sheesh!

Well, I didn't have any porridge to serve them, but we had a lovely tea party.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

Blaming the staff of DFW for their insufficient funding is a nonsensical and nonconstructive response. It is not their job to lobby for more funding any more than it's your job as a citizen to lobby for more funding for them. Furthermore, their DFW bosses have certainly been lobbying for more funding, but with limited success, as the money is being diverted to war and other oppressive but lucrative enterprises. I used to work in mental health; are you gonna castigate me for the lack of funding for mental health treatment? If you wanna castigate someone for inappropriately directing our tax dollars, start with the fuckwads who spend our money on wars and Wall Street handouts, and leave the peons of agencies like DFW alone. Sheesh!

---

Point taken. In my frustration my phrasing was very poorly done as I meant the DFG in its entirety and not simply those of a lower echelon. That said, the fact remains it need not officially be part of one's job in order to do as best as one can to influence the direction an agency is going. Sitting back and allowing certain policies to be enacted with which you disagree is unconscionable. The power lies within.

But I will take your respectful words and give to them all of the consideration they merit.

What is the point of the blame game? So far odeek you have offered not one solution.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I'm sorry Peggy but they may be decent people but their chosen profession involves, to a personal extent, protecting wildlife. When they can't even lobby effectively enough to harness the resources to be able to relocate a "problem" animal who trampled upon some fences that we constructed on THEIR land, then I'm not at all tolerant or understanding of their practices in certain areas.

---

What would the petition say?

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

I'm still willing to set up a petition if someone will do the research on who to send it to. Perhaps that contct at Fish and Wildlife? Or was it fish and game?

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

What is the point of the blame game? So far odeek you have offered not one solution.

---

Am I being "blamed" for not having a solution? Interesting. No one has, including you. Why? There isn't one. Nothing of any viability anyway, or that can be accomplished within a reasonable time frame before the inevitable outcome.

A few thoughts, but that's it. Although not realistic on many fronts, I still searched last night for a professional trapper thinking that perhaps donations might cover the cost, though doubtful. I found many-yet not a single one for larger animals. And I firmly believe that there are more than a solitary bear so expenses would be prohibitive. A silly solution. But when you come up with a better one-something other than a petition-let us know.

These personal attacks have led us astray. How about going back to the bear and improving his chances? Think you can manage that? Good!

How about going back to the bear and improving his chances?

This is mostly a repeat of my previous post but I think it's worth repeating.

The only ways to improve the bears' chances that have been put forward so far are what F&W and also some WACCOBB posters have advocated: people need to secure their animals, food supplies, trash, garden produce, fruit trees, etc., so the bears will not continue to rely on humans for their food supply and hopefully will head north. Also, if the bears comes around, to make loud noises like airhorns or barking dogs (from a safe distance from the bear) or loud music, etc, to chase them away. F&W also said erecting single strand electric fence around fruit trees, koi ponds, can be effective (although not 100%).

I think creating a flyer with this info on it and posting it in the areas where the bears have been seen (and may be heading) is a good idea.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

How about going back to the bear and improving his chances? Think you can manage that? Good!

---

https://news.sky.com/story/1102544/m...-bears-stomach

Human remains have been found inside a black bear that was killed near the scene of a deadly mauling in a remote area of Alaska.

I guess it would say that we are in favor of and asking for relocation of the bear(s) so a safe, wilder area. Maybe if enough people signed, they would find the funds somehow. I suppose we could even offer to help raise funds? We could also address it to our local state officials - Noreen Evans, Wes Chesbro, Mark Levine.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

What would the petition say?

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Thad:

https://news.sky.com/story/1102544/m...-bears-stomachHuman remains have been found inside a black bear that was killed near the scene of a deadly mauling in a remote area of Alaska.

---

And so....? Was there proof the black bear killed the 'human'? Grizzlys in their territory will hunt and consume humans...remains may have gleefully been consumed by the black bear, thankful to his cousin 'Grizzly" for the 'leftovers'. We humans do NOT own this planet and we are fair 'game' for carnivores, expecially in remote areas....after all we are meat on the hoof too.Until we respect other species and their right for a place on this planet we will continue to force them into sharing space with humans. We readily kill them for having the audicity to wander into "our" territory....to be fair it should work the other way also.BTW: Black bears do not intentionally stalk humans for consumption...known fact. They'd much rather go in the other direction if able..but again our encroachment into more and more of other species territory is only going to force confrontations....and sadly, generally our response is deadly."Spare the Bear!"

I think it's a great idea. I like the idea of offering to help raise funds. We could aim for a significant but doable number of signatures -- 100? -- and then request a meeting with a rep from F&W for a group of us to present it. Don't know if someone from F&W comes over this way regularly but guessing because of bear they will be around.

I do think it needs to be done ASAP; time is not on the bears' side.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

I guess it would say that we are in favor of and asking for relocation of the bear(s) so a safe, wilder area. Maybe if enough people signed, they would find the funds somehow. I suppose we could even offer to help raise funds? We could also address it to our local state officials - Noreen Evans, Wes Chesbro, Mark Levine.

---

I don't blame you for not having a solution but rather was responding to your posts "blaming" the DFG.. Another poster phrased it more constructively than I did, and you responded in kind. In any case, some of the solutions I've offered in my posts have included:
-Go to the DFG site and educate ourselves about the bears and their re=emergence as well as the consequences to their safety
-Learn from their instructions for removing bear attractants and also encouraging them to leave
-Finding out if the DFG's tranquilizing and safe removal program is in force (Peggy Karp spoke at length with DFG, see her posts--it's not.)
-Now, perhaps taking up a petition/funding to have the bear(s) safely removed.
Hopefully we can continue to dialogue until we find a workable solution on behalf of the bears.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Am I being "blamed" for not having a solution? Interesting. No one has, including you. Why? There isn't one. Nothing of any viability anyway, or that can be accomplished within a reasonable time frame before the inevitable outcome.

A few thoughts, but that's it. Although not realistic on many fronts, I still searched last night for a professional trapper thinking that perhaps donations might cover the cost, though doubtful. I found many-yet not a single one for larger animals. And I firmly believe that there are more than a solitary bear so expenses would be prohibitive. A silly solution. But when you come up with a better one-something other than a petition-let us know.

These personal attacks have led us astray. How about going back to the bear and improving his chances? Think you can manage that? Good!

---

Thanks again Peggy for another constructive and useful post. I also wonder if we can ask DFG and our local elected representatives what WE can do to restore the needed funding for bear removal. As mentioned, I lived on Vancouver Island for 13 years and bear mobiles were used to safely trap the bears. During the summer and early fall, these young bears were everywhere. However, wildlife is part of the "marketing" of the area I lived in so a change in public consciousness here to value our wildlife may also needed. That could take time. And while a petition was suggested--and I repeated--we know that removing just the bears we're seeing now is not a lasting solution.
SO thanks again Peggy for reminding us of the preventative solutions we have at hand to give the bears a chance.

I believe the Keep Them Wild flyer on the DFG website could be downloaded and copied as a flyer.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

How about going back to the bear and improving his chances?

This is mostly a repeat of my previous post but I think it's worth repeating.

The only ways to improve the bears' chances that have been put forward so far are what F&W and also some WACCOBB posters have advocated: people need to secure their animals, food supplies, trash, garden produce, fruit trees, etc., so the bears will not continue to rely on humans for their food supply and hopefully will head north. Also, if the bears comes around, to make loud noises like airhorns or barking dogs (from a safe distance from the bear) or loud music, etc, to chase them away. F&W also said erecting single strand electric fence around fruit trees, koi ponds, can be effective (although not 100%).

I think creating a flyer with this info on it and posting it in the areas where the bears have been seen (and may be heading) is a good idea.

---

This sounds good. What if we pledged funds now, to be used when or if bear is relocated? If we said we have x # of dollars to donate maybe that would make a difference.
I wonder what a relocation might cost?
I pledge to donate some $'s.

Joy

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

I think it's a great idea. I like the idea of offering to help raise funds. We could aim for a significant but doable number of signatures -- 100? -- and then request a meeting with a rep from F&W for a group of us to present it. Don't know if someone from F&W comes over this way regularly but guessing because of bear they will be around.

I do think it needs to be done ASAP; time is not on the bears' side.

---

This past Monday, the bear in question wandered onto my daughter's dads property in Forestville. They awoke to it "fishing" in their koi pond looking for breakfast. They took some pics then my 16 yr old daughter, on instinct to protect the fish, went out on the porch (with the pond b/w her and the bear), made herself look bigger telling it to go away and kind of growling at it. The bear wandered on up the hill and disappeared. Afterwards she couldn't believe that she had done that & said she wished she could have gone up to it and pet it because it didn't seem scary or aggressive. Of course I'm glad she didn't try but I was impressed with her bravery. Her dad sent the pics to KTVU news and they came up to SoCo from Oakland to interview them for the news, while I watched from the sidelines. It seemed like much ado about not much, but it was cool seeing them on the news that night and she got her 5 minutes of fame. And the newswomen got a day out of the big city into our neck of the woods, quite literally. Here is the newscast: https://m.ktvu.com/videos/news/fores...familys/v4T2d/

I hope this bear gets to a safe place where someone won't try to shoot it. Be safe Mr Bear.

All for now, Lisa

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Laurie Meyers:

I would be so grateful if the bear wandered by my property and I had a chance to see him/her.....seriously people, its not a 18ft Kodiak Bear, they arent going to eat your small children ( although I have prayed Paul Hobbs meets a Kodiak in a dim alley) all this nonsense about relocating them! leave them alone, or move to town!

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

I don't blame you for not having a solution but rather was responding to your posts "blaming" the DFG.....

---

I thought that the final sentence in my post would be easily understood. Obviously I was mistaken

All of your thoughts-thoughts, not solutions- are valid common sense suggestions mentioned by many. When I use to backpack a great deal it was known to not even keep hand cream, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. in the tent as all such items serve as attractants. One has to be incredibly circumspect at all times. To reiterate all of the ideas to redirect the bear are somewhat useful. But the fact remains that the vast majority of area residents would have to follow the guidelines in order for them to have any chance of being effective. Not possible-most don't even care.

I DO, in part, place blame upon the shoulders of the DFG. It's their field of expertise and regardless of supposed budget restrictions (which I must admit is plausible during these economic times) accessing funding through some means, re-dispersal plans, or finding an alternative to protect and/or save the bears is their job! They provide only words. I'm not convinced that a peaceful means of dealing with the bears is of interest to all. There are many, many good and decent folks employed by the DFG I'm sure. With good hearts. With good intentions. But just like in any profession , the agency is comprised of individuals. And not unlike everywhere, the attitudes, motivations, priorities, and agendas are absolutely diverse. From one end of the spectrum to the other. And from prior experience I question as to the importance of saving the bear, as opposed to just getting it all over with for some-policy makers especially.

I don't have a legitmate resolution, nor have I heard one that will actually SAVE the bear (s). I said from the beginning of this thread that relocation had been phased out. No one paid heed. In its stead are aversion techniques. It saddens me greatly as I have little faith in the outcome. Its been left to us and that's problematic on many fronts. I'm totally in favor of donations for relocation as you mentioned. I said in a previous post that I couldn't find a business capable, or willing, to do so. Where's a good mountain man when you need him? And the clock is ticking.

I know that this post will be picked apart for any number of valid reasons. It was hastily composed. But as I stated once before I love all non-human animals far more than the human variety. Consequently, I could not care less what you may think of my posts, or for that matter me. I just don't give a damn. My most earnest wish, my hope, is that someone creative developes a scheme to SAVE THE BEAR. We're grasping at straws. Petitions, flyers are plans to be commended. But not enough. Drastic action needs to be concocted by someone. And no, Gypsy, I'm neither bright enough nor creative enough to be the one. But he/she is out there. The bear will be lost to some fool at any moment now. That's all.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by parlyvous:

And so....? Was there proof the black bear killed the 'human'?

---

Apparently you didn't read the article, or you'd have known that the black bear was witnessed attacking and killing the man whose remains were later found in its stomach.

Quote:

---

Black bears do not intentionally stalk humans for consumption...known fact.

---

Like so many "known facts", there are exceptions. This was one of them and, as the article mentioned, not the only documented case on record.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Thad:

Human remains have been found inside a black bear that was killed near the scene of a deadly mauling in a remote area of Alaska.

---

While black bears under certain circumstances can be potentially dangerous and should be respected, they are not as aggressive, as say, brown bears can be. And they certainly are much less aggressive than human beings. Putting this in perspective, according to the website of the North American Bear Center in Minnesota (which seems like a reasonably respectable organization given that people like Jane Goodall are on their official Board of Advisors) of the estimated 750,000 black bears in North America the average statistic has been about one killing of a human being per year by black bears in all of North America.

So one out of 750,000 black bears will kill a human each year. Compare that to the statistic that in North America one out of 16,000 human beings will murder another human each year. So with respect to human beings, black bears are approximately one-fiftieth (1/50th) as fatally aggressive to humans as human beings are to other humans.

Scott

I know I tend to be optimistic because of my experience on VI (Canada) with its bear management program in the 90's. All of us knew what to do and what we could reply on from fish and wildlife.
Anyway whether or not we disagree on the definition of solution (vs thoughts), I appreciate your taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I thought that the final sentence in my post would be easily understood. Obviously I was mistaken

All of your thoughts-thoughts, not solutions- are valid common sense suggestions mentioned by many. When I use to backpack a great deal it was known to not even keep hand cream, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. in the tent as all such items serve as attractants. One has to be incredibly circumspect at all times. To reiterate all of the ideas to redirect the bear are somewhat useful. But the fact remains that the vast majority of area residents would have to follow the guidelines in order for them to have any chance of being effective. Not possible-most don't even care.

I DO, in part, place blame upon the shoulders of the DFG. It's their field of expertise and regardless of supposed budget restrictions (which I must admit is plausible during these economic times) accessing funding through some means, re-dispersal plans, or finding an alternative to protect and/or save the bears is their job! They provide only words. I'm not convinced that a peaceful means of dealing with the bears is of interest to all. There are many, many good and decent folks employed by the DFG I'm sure. With good hearts. With good intentions. But just like in any profession , the agency is comprised of individuals. And not unlike everywhere, the attitudes, motivations, priorities, and agendas are absolutely diverse. From one end of the spectrum to the other. And from prior experience I question as to the importance of saving the bear, as opposed to just getting it all over with for some-policy makers especially.

I don't have a legitmate resolution, nor have I heard one that will actually SAVE the bear (s). I said from the beginning of this thread that relocation had been phased out. No one paid heed. In its stead are aversion techniques. It saddens me greatly as I have little faith in the outcome. Its been left to us and that's problematic on many fronts. I'm totally in favor of donations for relocation as you mentioned. I said in a previous post that I couldn't find a business capable, or willing, to do so. Where's a good mountain man when you need him? And the clock is ticking.

I know that this post will be picked apart for any number of valid reasons. It was hastily composed. But as I stated once before I love all non-human animals far more than the human variety. Consequently, I could not care less what you may think of my posts, or for that matter me. I just don't give a damn. My most earnest wish, my hope, is that someone creative developes a scheme to SAVE THE BEAR. We're grasping at straws. Petitions, flyers are plans to be commended. But not enough. Drastic action needs to be concocted by someone. And no, Gypsy, I'm neither bright enough nor creative enough to be the one. But he/she is out there. The bear will be lost to some fool at any moment now. That's all.

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

I know I tend to be optimistic because of my experience on VI (Canada) with its bear management program in the 90's. All of us knew what to do and what we could reply on from fish and wildlife.
Anyway whether or not we disagree on the definition of solution (vs thoughts), I appreciate your taking the time to write such a thoughtful reply.

---

Thank you Gypsy. An unexpected yet very pleasing response

Below are excerpts from https://www.sierrawild.gov/bears/faq, a govenment site. This is essentially what the DFW biologist Conrad Jones told me. One thing mentioned here, which Jones also alluded to, is that relocation seldom works. It all reinforces my belief that the best hope for the bears is that residents all practice aversive conditioning. This may not be possible to achieve. But to whatever extent we can achieve it, the bears' chances will be improved.

# # #

What do “habituated” and “food conditioned” mean?
A habituated bear is one that one that has gotten used to being around people and does not respond to the presence of humans—they essentially ignore people. These bears are more likely to learn that human structures, automobiles, campsites, and populated areas are possible sources of food, thereby becoming food conditioned. Getting into improperly stored human food (trash, etc) even just once can start a bear down this path.

What does it mean to aversively condition a bear?
Aversive conditioning and hazing are techniques wildlife biologists use in their efforts to retrain habituated bears, but the general principle is the same. The goal is to recondition habituated bears to avoid populated areas and eat natural foods, thereby breaking the cycle that draws black bears into populated areas.

Why do resource managers sometimes have to kill bears?
A bear that has grown accustomed to human food may become aggressive toward people. If aversive conditioning techniques don’t work to break this cycle, and a bear continues to demonstrate aggressive behavior, resource managers are left no choice but to euthanize the bear. This cycle invariably begins with the unfortunate bear getting food from a careless or unknowing person.

Why don't resource managers just relocate problem bears?
In short, relocating bears rarely works. Over 95% of bears removed from their home range will find their way back, become a problem somewhere else, or die from challenges created by their relocation.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Chris Dec:

Ah... but we DO have a Spell Checker: Reptilian Overlord 2.0.

---

Besides Dixon, your browser should be set up to spell check as you type. It seems it can miss typos in pasted in text. If that happens, select all your text and then right click and bring up the spelling dialog.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Below are excerpts from https://www.sierrawild.gov/bears/faq, a govenment site. ...
Why don't resource managers just relocate problem bears?
In short, relocating bears rarely works. Over 95% of bears removed from their home range will find their way back, become a problem somewhere else, or die from challenges created by their relocation.

---

That's extremely interesting to me. On the one hand my eternal skepticism invokes thoughts of my distrust of government publications. And also that this is a perfect cop out for not seeking, or allocating discretionary funds we have no knowledge of, monies for relocation ie "Why do it? It doesn't work." My understanding is/was that years ago, when relocation was frequently employed, that the bear was moved hundreds of miles away in order to avoid having the rascals return.

On the other hand, I never considered the bears having difficulties by virtue of being in a new area, and also that relocation doesn't alter behavior. I'm a 20 year recovering addict and relocation was a common action for some of us. To change environments thus increasing the odds of getting clean-didn't work for us either. You basically are who you are. It's internal and not external. So these words from the publication are certainly food for thought, although I'm leery regarding the stated figure of 95%. Or perhaps just hopeful of its inaccuracy.

Maybe these "facts" have been mentioned before and I wasn't paying attention, but I find it (if true and I think it is, at least, to some extent) extremely disturbing. Extremely.

Thanks Peggy,
Again you are educating all of us through your diligent research. On Vancouver Island, bear relocation could work because in the area I lived, there were mountains and thousands of acres of protected wild parkland with rich food sources for the bears. We don't have those resources here yet bears can have a travel range of 125 miles..

We also had a populace who mostly treasured their wildlife and saw them as an important linchpin in the amenities and economy of the region. Yet here, until recently black bears have been considered "extinct" in our county. There's no perceived economic or cultural benefit, yet.

Because we're all part of "ecotopia"---the west coast from here to the border of Alaska, I'm going to research what our neighbors from Oregon north are doing. Maybe we'll get some good info and if so, I'll share on WACCO.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Why don't resource managers just relocate problem bears?
In short, relocating bears rarely works. Over 95% of bears removed from their home range will find their way back, become a problem somewhere else, or die from challenges created by their relocation.

---

Here's a flyer I created to post and hand out, which Barry kindly made into a postable image. It's just a starting point. Please download it, change it if you wish to in any way, and distribute it. Thanks!

[The flyer below is an image. I've attached the source Word document that you are free to modify -Barry]

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...9_09-54-11.png

Peggy this is a wonderful start.

I had an idea to get the word out to the community through the children, and to the parents, with a fact-filled and informative coloring sheet. I have found that the fastest free way to get a flyer dispersed is to ask the schools to insert into take home packets for the kids. School is out for the summer, but in the event that the bear problem is just beginning, education and awareness is in place by September. Also, these can be handed out at day care centers, pools, summer school, campgrounds, etc.

The lined through copy is because Andy's is just a suggestion. It could be Ace Hardware, Safeway, or anyone who wants to participate and contribute, or funds collected could go towards honey sticks to be handed out.

The Farmers Markets are filled with kids, and the Sebastopol one is Sunday... the new Forestville one is starting up June 25th on Tuesday afternoons.

A printer, like Sprint, or A.I.M., would have to be approaced to offer to duplicate the form, another way for a local business to contribute.

I am putting this out there to anyone who wants to run with it, and, of course, I will gladly complete the flyer, being a graphics person, once text is finalized.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Here's a flyer I created to post and hand out, which Barry kindly made into a postable image. It's just a starting point. Anyone can change it in any way they want and then distribute their version of it.

---

This is a great idea -you should give some also to 4c's main childcare office in Santa Rosa and Russian River childcare so all their providers can receive them for all the kids they care for all year around. And print them in spanish too. Looks like you will be busy! :angel::thumbsup:

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Chris Dec:

I had an idea to get the word out to the community through the children, and to the parents, with a fact-filled and informative coloring sheet....

---

No I will NOT color the bears, I will wish them well finding their own natural food which includes berries and acorns. I hope I never see one beause reporting that could sign their death warrant. Go on with your lives as the bears will. Just leave them alone.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Chris Dec:

I had an idea to get the word out to the community through the children, and to the parents, with a fact-filled and informative coloring sheet. I have found that the fastest free way to get a flyer dispersed is to ask the schools to insert into take home packets for the kids.

---

I don't believe they relocate bears now. In Lake Tahoe they have just been shooting them :( In Mammoth they have a bear program that realy helped by mandatory bear proof trash storage and other bear aware programs and this cut the human bear interactions down a lot and forced the bears to seek wild food instead of go urban with trash. It is entirely up to State Dept of Fish and Game if bears are trapped or darted and relocated.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by joybird:

This sounds good. What if we pledged funds now, to be used when or if bear is relocated? If we said we have x # of dollars to donate maybe that would make a difference.
I wonder what a relocation might cost?
I pledge to donate some $'s.

Joy

---

In 1999 there were bears raiding the trash at Ocean Song. With a male bear ranging up to 50 square miles and female up to 25 square miles it was only a matter of time I thought that bears would be making a big appearance in West County. Last year there were reports of a mom and two older cubs in our area but they were apparently not as often seen. Now there are reports surfacing all over our area and we have signings right here, near Silala/Jonive & Bodega highway. I am guessing but it's probable that mom has run the 2 year olds off and they are trying to make a living in a very sparse territory for bears. Moms usually do this when they have their next litter. There is so much forest falling to vines and other projects and that is taking up very vital habitat for them. The rotten logs, fungus, grubs, small mammels, etc. that they would normally seek don't exist in vineyards and homes. So they are going for trash, compost piles, koi ponds, pets, livestock. Even the 200 acres slated for the sewage treatment pond in Occidental is potential bear supporting habitat, but that looks like another amount lost.

It is a very good idea to get the word out to west county about the bears, about living safely with bears and keeping livestock and pets safe. Also to minimize contact with them especially with trash and compost, chicken coops, fish ponds, goats, etc. It could be necessary to even hotwire coops and pens to discourage predation. Bears are omnivores and they do hunt and prey on small mammels especially when hungry and they look hungry. They are not fat well fed bears. They are skinny, and their coats are not in that great of shape. Also they are out in broad daylight - that is very concerning. They should be attempting contact with human things in the cover of darkness but these bears are either fully accustomed to being out in daylight like this or they are desparate and hungry is driving them to unnatural behaviors.

I am very apprehensive for these bears and if they are going to make it. There may not be enough habitat to support them - this is something that really needs to be determined and I hope that any plans to take out forested areas in west county will be subject to accounting for bear residents along with other wildlife.

About two weeks ago, before we saw the bear (s) (it seems there are two similar but different ones sighted in our area) our dog was seriously injured. We don't know what it was but somehow she was sliced from her back to her belly. It was all we could do to get her to the er vet where thank goodness they could stabilize her and patch her up. She was hospitalized 14 days and just came home two days ago. The vets have never seen such a wound on a dog here and we have still been wondering. A bear knowledgeable friend told me she might have surprised a bear that took a swipe. We just don't know but there is no doubt this is a risk for all living here and to live with bears we must all be on board with taking precautions with our trash, pets and livestock. We have some boat air horns now out at stragic places on the property and pots/pans to bang in case we sight one the plan is scare the daylights out of it from coming this close to people. And hope and pray they will be able to make a living in the woods.

To our knowledge there are at least three bears in the area - mom and two young adult cubs. That means there's a daddy around somewhere too but their territories usually wouldn't overlap too much. There could be new cubs with mom as well.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Edward Mendoza:

Wow! This is fascinating and exciting. It looks like all of our efforts in fighting for the environment are paying off.

I'd like to know how this bear got here and from where. It looks like a brown bear, not a black bear. Black bears are smaller, generally, than brown bears. Grizzlies, if I'm not mistaken, are a subgroup of brown bears but this doesn't look like a grizzly to me. The last California grizzly was was shot and killed in the 1920s.

Thanks for your post! Now I feel like I live in the wild somewhere.

---

They probably have repopulated from bears that were at Ocean Song area as early as 1999 or from above Cazadero etc. as there are many over there yet. There are so many vineyards and other destructions of forest land perhaps they have been forced out - or just naturally expanding. Hard to say for certain. Let's hope we can get some recognition for the fact they are here and have that factered into plans that would see forest cleared for any purpose. We have seen them here this week and scared them off in hopes they will be smarter about coming into populated areas, especially in broad daylight!

Don't forget there are also mountain lions among us too - and coyote, bobcat, badgers, weasles, etc.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Cattlekids:

I don't believe they relocate bears now. In Lake Tahoe they have just been shooting them :( In Mammoth they have a bear program that realy helped by mandatory bear proof trash storage and other bear aware programs and this cut the human bear interactions down a lot and forced the bears to seek wild food instead of go urban with trash. It is entirely up to State Dept of Fish and Game if bears are trapped or darted and relocated.

---

The mandatory bear proof containers have been very effective in the Tahoe Basin. Unfortunately there just aren't enough of them.

I don't read all of the posts in their entirety, which is a mistake on my part, but I haven't heard of any sightings in the past few days. Am I correct? If so, my fervent hope is that whatever magical, amazing abilities that lie deep within an animal's psyche-innate, instinctive-have led the bears to migrate. They may be aware by now of the limited options to forage and hunt here as they normally would, perhaps even also sensing the dangers that lie before them in this immediate area.

Have they hopefully-though it would be wonderful if we as the "superior" members of a species could learn to coexist with our friends of the forest-traveled to more accepting and nourishing environs? I don't want to consider alternatives to their disappearance if, indeed, they have

I would love to pass them out to my kids at my preschool: Loving & Learning Center in Guerneville. One of my children had the bears (2) in his yard!
If you'd like to email me a copy (we also have hispanic families) I'll make copies here.
Thank you!
Teri

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by mamaj:

This is a great idea -you should give some also to 4c's main childcare office in Santa Rosa and Russian River childcare so all their providers can receive them for all the kids they care for all year around. And print them in spanish too. Looks like you will be busy! :angel::thumbsup:

---

Hi Teri:

Read the text, and look for the crossed out words... I just put those business names in there as suggestions to anyone who would run with this idea and propose this way of supporting community to local businesses.

Doing that kind of selling to a bunch of businesses is a lot of work, so if that is too much effort for you, (honey sticks, fer crying out loud, what was I thinking?) and you just want a sheet that doesn't involve approaching businesses, just one to hand out as a way of educating both the kids and their parents, along with a note to keep kids safe... I can change it to a more generic version.

There is a flier called Color The Bears in printer's PDF for you to download at the following link, my own ftp site, from now until end of June.:

ftp://ftp.sonic.net/pub/users/winks/

When I get a Spanish translation, (I am writing my sister-in-law for a reliable translation tonight) I will put that one up and post here that it's up.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by terijane:

I would love to pass them out to my kids at my preschool: Loving & Learning Center in Guerneville. One of my children had the bears (2) in his yard!
If you'd like to email me a copy (we also have hispanic families) I'll make copies here.
Thank you!
Teri

---

Barry: How does one get off of a thread?? Getting 16 emails in my inbox about a subject I made 1 post to discourages me from wanting to comment on future posts. If there is an "unsubscribe" option for threads, please let us know Barry. I already get way more emails than I'd like. Nothing personal, just would rather read wacco commentary by going on the digest when/if I feel inclined.

Thank you very much. Lisa

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Lisa W:

Barry: How does one get off of a thread?? Getting 16 emails in my inbox about a subject I made 1 post to discourages me from wanting to comment on future posts. If there is an "unsubscribe" option for threads, please let us know Barry.

---

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...0_22-55-09.png

:heart::heart::heart:

A friend told me a bear was seen at Apple Blossom school and their was a lock down because of it. Is this true and when? I wonder if it is hanging out in the orchard.

As I understand it,. the purpose of "coloring the bears" is to educate children about their re-emergence in our midst and how to prevent them from becoming attached to our human environment.
We all want them to return to natural food sources, but because they have such a strong sense of smell and find human smells such strong attractants (including cosmetic fragrances, by the way), we need to encourage them to return to their natural environment and food sources by taking away these temptations.
. Nobody is reporting them so they will be killed. But if we don't help them return to the wild before they become a nuisance, it is likely that they WILL be killed.
We may want to leave them alone, but because of our environmental attractants, they may not leave us alone.
This is the danger to their lives.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Ice Queen:

No I will NOT color the bears, I will wish them well finding their own natural food which includes berries and acorns. I hope I never see one beause reporting that could sign their death warrant. Go on with your lives as the bears will. Just leave them alone.

---

my guess is the young bear(s) are dead (probably), or moved northwestish of the river. the mama bear might be pregnant and hanging out in her home in the willow creek watershed. nobody has mentioned the fairly recent change in hunting regulations for bears, no dogs allowed. there will be more bears looking for homes in cali. i don't think a landowner with a bear kill permit or the dfw would share bear kill news around here.

is there really space for bears in west county south of the river? i live north of sebtown east of 116 and have bees and chickens and goats and compost and plastic nb garbage cans. i have lived with bears elsewhere and have no fear of my ability to scare them away. but there is no place around here for them to go...(

Gypsey and Chris are right. As a teacher of all grades and now with my own preschool, I teach children to develop a relationship with all things living on this planet. Where would they (and we) be if humans hadn't started the "save the whales" campaign so many years ago? The guidelines on Chris's coloring page are an excellent way to learn to live with the bears, coexisting peacefully and safely. This won't happen by ignoring them or wishing they would just "go back to where they came from". Coloring pages are a learning tool for information, and Chris did a beautiful job on the page and generously shared them with us.

One of my favorite quotes at my center: "Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar." ~ Bradley Millar.

Teaching children to respect and relate to our natural world promotes the saving of our planet, and we need all the help we can get!

P.S. Just watched a scary/good Netflix movie: Surviving Progress, produced by Martin Scorsese. Please see it!

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

As I understand it,. the purpose of "coloring the bears" is to educate children about their re-emergence in our midst and how to prevent them from becoming attached to our human environment.
We all want them to return to natural food sources, but because they have such a strong sense of smell and find human smells such strong attractants (including cosmetic fragrances, by the way), we need to encourage them to return to their natural environment and food sources by taking away these temptations.
. Nobody is reporting them so they will be killed. But if we don't help them return to the wild before they become a nuisance, it is likely that they WILL be killed.
We may want to leave them alone, but because of our environmental attractants, they may not leave us alone.
This is the danger to their lives.

---

DFW biologist said bear population is expanding both in numbers and range and main cause is the ban on using dogs for hunting bears. The young bears here may be an example. Hope they made it across the river. I'm going to call DFW up to ask anyway.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by rossmen:

nobody has mentioned the fairly recent change in hunting regulations for bears, no dogs allowed. there will be more bears looking for homes in cali.

---

The bears are still around, I talked to people yesterday that saw them late last week. Alot of people in the west county hill , who have lived with the bears, they just dont talk about it alot except to each other and there are least 4 bears including at least two adults. I heard a pretty good history yesterday of the west hills bear population and it`s growth and this is from people who have lived with them and seen the regularly for a good ten years.

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...3_20-52-02.png

Perhaps not the same bear but this one was sited a few days ago ambling up Barnett Valley road about a quarter mile from Bodega Highway.

A similar (or same) bear was sighted on Tuesday by one of my neighbors at Barnett Valley Road and Burnside Road.

I have to take exception to the comments about not hunting with dogs being related to the bear population increase and what we are seeing here in West County.

The reason why is the law against using dogs for hunting bear and bobcats was only just passed in 2012. There is just not enough time to evaluate whether there's an impact to bear population one way or another.
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/cal...alifornia.html
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...n_2366614.html

The other reason is that DFG's own data shows the population has been on a slow but stead increase since 1991 (and before that as well).
https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunt...nEstimates.pdf

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunt...opulation.html

Also, the only bear hunting (legal) that takes place in Sonoma County is north of Highway 128 and only for the later part of August/Sept

https://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/c...lregs.aspx#365
§365. Bear.

Except as provided in Section 366, bear may be taken only as follows:

• (a) Areas:
  
  • (1) Northern California: In the counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity; and those portions of Lassen and Modoc counties west of the following line: Beginning at Highway 395 and the Sierra-Lassen county line; north on Highway 395 to the junction of Highway 36; west on Highway 36 to the junction of Highway 139; north on Highway 139 to Highway 299; north on Highway 299 to County Road 87; west on County Road 87 to Lookout-Hackamore Road; north on Lookout-Hackamore Road to Highway 139; north on Highway 139 to the Modoc-Siskiyou county line; north on the Modoc-Siskiyou county line to the Oregon border.
  • (2) Central California: In the counties of Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba and those portions of Napa and Sonoma counties northeast of Highway 128. ...

I know the hunting information might be disturbing for some but the fact is if we want to know where bears are the ones that are hunting will know quite a lot.

It's important to note that if there is an increase in reports of bears or bear problems it will fuel those who are seeking to overturn the recent legislation and restore the use of dogs to hunting bear and bobcat.

Last year DFG closed the bear hunt 2-1/2 weeks early because more than 1,700 bears were taken in the state (less than half of that number were tracked by dogs btw). There is an "industry" for CA bear hunting
https://saova.org/CA_2012.html

I believe more than ever measures to have a peaceful coexistence with wildlife here, especially with bears, is important to more than just our local population. DFG logs all those bear calls. There seems no mystery of them now with the news paper articles -- would about a strategy to form a citizen's task force of some kind to raise awareness and knowledge? There are some communities that have taken the bull by the horns... or (bear by the paws?) and created community awareness and education centers and even bear tip hotlines.

Thanks for your correction. I may not have remembered the DFW comment correctly. I agree with all your excellent points.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Cattlekids:

I have to take exception to the comments about not hunting with dogs being related to the bear population increase and what we are seeing here in West County.

The reason why is the law against using dogs for hunting bear and bobcats was only just passed in 2012. There is just not enough time to evaluate whether there's an impact to bear population one way or another. ...

---

West county Bears seem to be an interesting bunch.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=521454884576316&set=a.444220348966437.120271.435085683213237&type=1&theater

I guess you need to be logged into Face Book to see this picture.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

Thanks for your correction. I may not have remembered the DFW comment correctly. I agree with all your excellent points.

---

Thanks Peggy, I did not mean to sound so correcting though. Thank you for your understanding. I have heard similar over the years and it could be your memory is fine.

Hoping no one gets hurt - people, pets, or bears.

WE are in THEIR natural environment!!!

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

As I understand it,. the purpose of "coloring the bears" is to educate children about their re-emergence in our midst and how to prevent them from becoming attached to our human environment.
We all want them to return to natural food sources, but because they have such a strong sense of smell and find human smells such strong attractants (including cosmetic fragrances, by the way), we need to encourage them to return to their natural environment and food sources by taking away these temptations.
. Nobody is reporting them so they will be killed. But if we don't help them return to the wild before they become a nuisance, it is likely that they WILL be killed.
We may want to leave them alone, but because of our environmental attractants, they may not leave us alone.
This is the danger to their lives.

---

Yes, you are right, we ARE in the bears' "natural environment". Unfortunately we invaded it and therefore altered it with artificial and very tempting behaviors and attractants of our own that are unsafe for the bears. Not just by killing them, but by creating powerful temptations that encourage behavior in the bears that is a danger to them and to us.

The color the bears poster and other postings by Peggy Karp & others and the Keep Us Wild campaign by the DFG don't deny what we humans have done. Rather, these efforts ask us to give the bears a chance by encouraging them to return to their remaining natural food sources and habitat. Fortunately these are still out there, though no doubt dwindling.

I'm most interested in how we can act to increase the bears' odds of survival in a county where hunting and other actions on our part led to them being declared at one time, extinct. In future postings I'll share with fellow Wacco readers how other states besides California, as well as Canada are handling the black bears' re-emergence.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Ice Queen:

WE are in THEIR natural environment!!!

---

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by bodegahead:

The bears are still around, I talked to people yesterday that saw them late last week. Alot of people in the west county hill , who have lived with the bears, they just dont talk about it alot except to each other and there are least 4 bears including at least two adults. I heard a pretty good history yesterday of the west hills bear population and it`s growth and this is from people who have lived with them and seen the regularly for a good ten years.

---

I suppose, for any number of reasons, the interest in the bear(s) has waned as of late-primarily due to the lack of exposure? -but my neighbor told me of 2 very recent sightings. It was difficult to get the details as we were calling back and forth from our homes approximately 200 feet apart, yet he has a friend who saw one in Camp Meeker a few days ago, and he saw one yesterday on the hillside just behind our homes in Monte Rio.

Perhaps there have been other recent occasions and folks have moved on in their interests, but I haven't and am pleased as punch that they are still alive as I feared that some fool had proved his manhood by ending their lives. Though it would have been preferable if they had migrated to a safer environment-wherever that may be-they continue to be with us for which I'm so very thankful.

"There are some communities that have taken the bull by the horns... or (bear by the paws?) and created community awareness and education centers and even bear tip hotlines."-Cattlekids 6/24

Is there anyone out there who wants to start a "Bear Hotline"? I'm not sure how to go about this, but I would think it would involve discussing how we could monitor the Bears' progress, and/or diminishing weight, if that appears to be a serious problem----Hopefully, people within the Bears' vicinity of activity will respond. I hope they survive. I have a relative who grew up near Fresno, and she said that farmers there used to have a dumping spot for rotting fruit-----and the bears would all come late down in the afternoon and eat the fruit, then go back up to the hills nearby. She said it kept them from invading people's homes. I thought this was a good solution to the problem. Why can't we help each other instead of everything being so "survival of the fittest" oriented?

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by kinlinda:

"There are some communities that have taken the bull by the horns... or (bear by the paws?) and created community awareness and education centers and even bear tip hotlines."-Cattlekids 6/24

Is there anyone out there who wants to start a "Bear Hotline"? I'm not sure how to go about this, but I would think it would involve discussing how we could monitor the Bears' progress, and/or diminishing weight, if that appears to be a serious problem----Hopefully, people within the Bears' vicinity of activity will respond. I hope they survive. I have a relative who grew up near Fresno, and she said that farmers there used to have a dumping spot for rotting fruit-----and the bears would all come late down in the afternoon and eat the fruit, then go back up to the hills nearby. She said it kept them from invading people's homes. I thought this was a good solution to the problem. Why can't we help each other instead of everything being so "survival of the fittest" oriented?

---

I don't know how I can help but I'm in if needed. Someone, near the beginning of this thread I believe, created an interactive map logging the bears' travels. If one person with the knowledge, and interest, of how to do this would volunteer a bit of their time it would be great. And with all of us having the capability of privately contacting this person with information re a sighting, the location , the time, the bear's condition, etc..

I have fears. Where have our friends gone? Despite the recent sightings by my neighbor, and his friend, anything else appears to be non-existent. I'd like to believe that the guys wised up-possibly via thoughtful yet negative experiences with humans (make sense? You know, aversion techniques) they are avoiding us. I try to do so, lol. But I just don't know (sigh)-they're so young and inexperienced and trying to survive in what has been a dry season which has impeded edible vegetation growth, affected insect cycles, fruits perhaps, etc. they may very well be famished and suffering. Or, most horribly and mentioned in my last post, that some cretin in an attempt to counteract lack of self esteem issues has committed the almost unthinkable.

Again, if the interest still exists and has not inexplicably lessened as often is our want, if there's anything that I can do I'm here. Btw, " survival of the fittest" is a concept at times of interest to me. This may be out to lunch but if I place myself, sans any equipment, devices, etc. not created by me but others throughout the ages, and my nitwit Beagle Odee out in any remote, wilderness setting I wonder who is the "fittest" and survives the longest. Me- the "superior" human? Just a thought.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I don't know how I can help but I'm in if needed. Someone, near the beginning of this thread I believe, created an interactive map logging the bears' travels.

---

The post with the interactive map is here. Looks like it has been updated!

I was at a store recently and the girl at the counter was super excited because someone had got some pictures developed and she had some of the bear in her yard. The girl at the counter had asked permission to make a copy which she did. It is a sweet picture of the , or one of the bears. I was happy to get a glance at the picture and see it was healthy and on a mission it seems..I would think that one could get easily distracted with everything in ones path..

The map doesn't yet show the sightings on Barnett Valley Road and Burnside on June 18 and another the next day or so on Barnett Valley about 3/4 mile from Bodega Highway. There are pictures of both.

Now it's along Green Valley Rd near Mt. Gilead

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by spam1:

now it's along green valley rd near mt. Gilead

---

yea!!!!

This bear (on Green Valley Road) appears to be much larger and darker than the one photographed on Barnett Valley Road. See image.

Aye, darker but maybe not much bigger. My daughter saw it and thought it was "pretty small" for a bear. Also, the shadows can play tricks, but the noses between the two look quite similar.

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by redheifer:

This bear (on Green Valley Road) appears to be much larger and darker than the one photographed on Barnett Valley Road. See image.

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by spam1:

Aye, darker but maybe not much bigger. My daughter saw it and thought it was "pretty small" for a bear. Also, the shadows can play tricks, but the noses between the two look quite similar.

---

Lol, I was thinking just the opposite. It's so difficult to tell with, as you mentioned, the variables such as light, angle, distance, etc.. The shadows in this new photo appear, to me, to account for the darker appearing coat. But she does, again this is so subjective, seem bigger. She's only 2, or so, which explains the size that your daughter noted. But even though it's only been a month, I believe, between photos she seems to have filled out a bit.

At least we have a bear, or bears, around for which I'm thrilled. I was beginning to lose hope.

​What a Beautiful Sight !

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by spam1:

Now it's along Green Valley Rd near Mt. Gilead

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...7_14-05-57.png

---

It's been about 6 weeks since there was a bear sighting. :hmmm:

Has anybody seen or heard anything??

I'm hoping he/she/they have made it into the wild....

A bear killed a friend of mine's goat on Harrison Grade Road and I'm told it was subsequently shot dead in Forestville.
:tear:

Haven't seen any recent postings on bear sightings in West county, but I'm fairly certain I saw one in my yard a few days ago. Too big to be a bobcat, approx 70 lbs, thought first it was a mountain lion, but definitely very stubby tail, and much more of a bear-like face. It was rather bold, I was about 40-50 yards away, it stared at me a while. Lost 2 chickens around that time too. I'm off Elphick Road south of town. Any other recent sightings? Am I crazy?

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Dian Hardy:

...a cougar had been seen in the cemetery next to Burbank Heights...

---

If she's looking for young men, neither the cemetery nor Burbank Heights is likely to be very fruitful.

Oh, wait--you mean a mountain lion.
Big Smile

I'm pretty sure, from your description, that what you saw was a Sasquatch. They usually migrate in the Fall from Mendo down through Sonoma and out to Pt. Reyes where they spend the winter.
:wink:

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by 79paul:

Haven't seen any recent postings on bear sightings in West county, but I'm fairly certain I saw one in my yard a few days ago. Too big to be a bobcat, approx 70 lbs, thought first it was a mountain lion, but definitely very stubby tail, and much more of a bear-like face. It was rather bold, I was about 40-50 yards away, it stared at me a while. Lost 2 chickens around that time too. I'm off Elphick Road south of town. Any other recent sightings? Am I crazy?

---

You're sure it wasn't a rapacious Kohlrabi?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mLjFzn-WU

[Don't miss this video! - Barry]

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

If she's looking for young men, neither the cemetery nor Burbank Heights is likely to be very fruitful.

Oh, wait--you mean a mountain lion.
Big Smile

---

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by markwjam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mLjFzn-WU
[Don't miss this video! - Barry]

---

Zappa was a genius. I miss him.
But why oh why did they have to cut off the video in the middle of "Penis Dimension"? :tear:

O, that, yeah.....you didn't hear? Xena, the Warrior Queen, captured the end piece for her private viewing collection..

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

Zappa was a genius. I miss him.
But why oh why did they have to cut off the video in the middle of "Penis Dimension"? :tear:

---

Hmm ..don't know anything about "Sasquatch"...But truly enjoyed the Xena musical episode!

Quote:

---

Posted in reply to the post by markwjam:

O, that, yeah.....you didn't hear? Xena, the Warrior Queen, captured the end piece for her private viewing collection..

---