A bear near Sebastopol

Today (Sunday) just a little after 12 noon a fairly large bear walked through our neighborhood and my property. I live on Green Hill Road near Sturgeon Mill between Occidental Road and Graton Road. This picture is of the bear walking down my driveway taken today from the deck of my house -- and also a close-up of the same image.

The bear walked up my driveway, then down, then back up again and into the woods on the south side of my property. It sat on a stump in the woods for quite a while before heading up the hill toward Occidental Road. The bear was seen by four people on my property and also others in the neighborhood.

Fish and Game was called by one of my neighbors and they came out and apparently said that this area was rural enough for the bear to be okay, and for people to try not to give it food sources such as pet food or compost so it will wander away. They apparently said if it gets aggressive there would be no choice but to euthanize it, which would be a real shame.

How wonderful that this magnificent wild creature is in our midst. I really hope it will be okay. We've had some wild boar come through our neighborhood, and I've heard of sightings of mountain lions in this area. But in my sixteen or so years in Sebastopol I have not heard much about bears being around here. However, there may have been other times, and perhaps others, particularly "old-timers", might be able to tell us.

Scott

In the last 6 months near Occidental, I have seen a mountain lion and a very strange gray bobcat. The bobcat does not look like anything on the net... it does not have spots, but is solid gray.
I am excited that wild creatures are amongst us! I have only heard of a bear sighting one other time and that was up on Owl Road. I grew up in Occidental and never saw a bear.

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.

This is a black bear, which can take on many different colors, from blue to cinnamon or even silver (I've seen them in all these colors over the years).

This is likely the same bear sited on Willow Creek Rd. last week and on Harrison Grade Rd. a few days ago. Photos of those bears are the same color as this one. Apparently it is headed east, which is probably not a good thing for anybody, especially the bear.

Game & Fish has recently stated that there is a growing population of black bears in the coastal hills east of Bodega Bay. Seems like they might know what they're talking about.

This bear has got to be a California Black Bear, which, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, "vary in color from tan or brown to black". From my quick research on Brown Bears they no longer exist in California. All bears in Yosemite, for instance, are Black Bears.

This habitat range map of Black Bears from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife shows that we are well within the natural range of these bears. (The Department's name was thankfully changed last year from "Fish and Game" to "Fish and Wildlife") I'm not sure if bears showing up in more developed areas like ours is a good sign or not. Are they increasing in population? Or are they getting squeezed out of their normal habitats because of more human development?

I lived on Vancouver Island for 13 years so saw black bears often. When cubs are two years old, the mother kicks them out and they often wander toward civilization as they learn to live independently. They enjoy the abundant blackberries that grow everywhere here....BTW black bears not only can be brown, but can also have white patches on paws and chest. And in Prince Rupert live the amazing white or spirit bears.

--I'm glad Scott posted the wildlife warden's directive not to feed these bears but to respect their wildness. We don't want them looking for food handouts from us or rooting in garbage. On Vancouver Island, the bears aren't euthanized if they hang around. Rather they are caught in a bear "mobile" which is a kind of Quonset hut on wheels. When the bear is trapped inside, it is hauled away back to the wild.

As far as one reader's comment regarding seeing a mountain lion, in drought conditions mountain lions might come closer to civilization than is safe. They are loners and keep a low profile, but in one drought year a starving mountain lion was captured waiting by a schoolyard in British Columbia, and another attacked 2 people on horseback.. They are magnificent and to be respected---but dangerous.

Thanks everyone for sharing your sightings and for the words of appreciation for our wild companions.

...just a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your housepets, especially at night if you have outdoor kitties that are allowed to roam...these are tasty little morsels for any wildlife that aren't normally wandering about. coyote have been known to use cats to "train" their young in the fine art of the kill....love your pets safely-- do not feed the bears!

Those photos are so great! Thanks for sharing. I was just looking at some pictures of elephants and cheetas a friend of mine sent me from Africa and then--a bear in our back yard.

Lilith

Hi Scott, I was so pleased to hear that there is a bear in your area, and also worried. I moved from Sebastopol to the foothills a few years ago, right into bear country, and have lived in close contact with bears for ten years. The major difficulty with bears is caused directly by our own behavior. Leaving trash cans or pet food out where bears leads to one end, dead bears. And it only takes a few encounters to bring that on. Education is the best hope for peaceful coexistence. Good luck !

And by the way, bears don't eat cats and rarely bother pets in our area. They sometimes get a bad rap because they do follow Mountain lions and eat the leftovers.
It ain't easy bein' a bear.

Michelle Noe

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Posted in reply to the post by Edward Mendoza:

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

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I found this boy-scout advisory on the difference between bears:

The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.

The bear came back through our property again yesterday. Apparently it has taken up at least temporary residence in our little valley here off Green Hill Road. I managed to take this short video of the bear in our woods, posted here. In my excitement, at one point I said "It's alright, buddy" as I approached, which, along with my encroaching presence, scared it off. As it runs off, if you listen closely, you can hear it snort an indignant huff as if to say, "give me some space, you jerk". And it's right. But in my defense I was just excited, as it's not often you find a fairly large wild bear roaming around in your back yard right near Sebastopol.

Right after this video was shot my housemate and I approached it again but this time it stood it's ground and huffed and snorted and made a little head lunge at us. He let us know in no uncertain terms we were getting on its nerves and his or her patience and generosity to not chase us down and do us in right there, as it easily could have done, was wearing a bit thin. We got the message loud and clear and backed away quickly.

From now on we're going to give the bear more space so it feels less threatened. At least for the moment we like the idea of having a wild bear sanctuary here on our property so close to town. And we're also committed to not provide food sources so it must exist under more wild conditions and not become dependent on living off the scraps of human households.

Scott

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPWnzXZ8h0o

Thanks so much for posting this video of what looks like a young cinnamon phase black bear. You made our family's day! We have been informally studying black bears daily, all through winter and spring, inspired by my 13 yr old son's interest and his extended school project.

A great source for information about black bears is the NABC in Minnesota. Dr. Lynn Rogers is doing some very interesting research and sharing it in ways that are changing a lot of people's attitudes towards bears. ( https://www.bear.org/website/) Some of his practices are controversial, (for instance he feeds them nuts and berries in order to collar them for research instead of tranquilizing them in order to lessen trauma) but after reading tons of info on his methods, he seems very sound and to truly have the best interest of the bears in mind. His research organization, the WRI , has posted den cam videos of wild black bears all winter to understand more of what happens during hibernation. It's fascinating and I highly recommend watching them, even though the moms and cubs are now out for the spring, they do have archived footage you can watch.

Also, check out the page at NABC on bear behaviors to learn more about the sounds and actions of the bear. Sounds like he was scared and letting you know about it. Talking to the bear is actually not such a bad idea! Dr. Rogers talks about announcing yourself as a courtesy and sometimes they can get used to your presence if you give them enough space to feel comfortable. From what I've learned, the bear can eventually learn to trust that you are not a competitor or mean them any harm and you could potentially hang out in the same space as them, while they ignore you and snack on berries and vegetation:) If they stamp and blow, that is called bluster and indicates their nervousness.

I am no bear expert by a long shot, just a bear lover, but I did want to share a bit of what I've learned recently because a lot of the current research challenges long standing myths about bears that may interest you. We are jealous of your bear visitor, but very glad that he/she decided to wander through someone's yard who clearly has a respect and love for bears. Post more videos if you can and thanks again for sharing!

I lived on a remote ranch north of Geyserville, and after a large salmon barbeque/party once, several (3, mom and 2 half-grown cubs) were drawn down from Lake county (several miles away) to check it out- across 2 large canyons of rugged terrain and Geyser Peak. I imagine they're all through here in heavily wooded areas. They travel /wander many miles without a problem. In my experience, the sight or unexpected sounds of humans would spook them pretty well.

Where I live near Bloomfield now, there a lion mom seen occasionally, and regular bobcat visitors. Just night critters mostly, so we don't notice. What a blessing here in "wilder" Sonoma County!

The bear came through the property we live on this afternoon! We're on the Occidental Road end of Jonive Rd, on the east side. The bear came from the woods to the North/East of us and headed West into the woods going toward Freestone/Occidental. My son took a photo. It's the same bear. Just wanted everyone to know it's heading West - a good thing.

Here it is. Bear Medicine!

Here is a photo my daughter Catia took of the bear on Saturday. It is chowing down on the contents of her compost bucket - it spent over an hour around our home (we live up the hill from Scott and from Sturgeon's Mill).

Richard

Looks like the bear continued to head west. I spotted it running west across an open area at the CYO Camp in Occidental, where I work, at about 5:35pm Tuesday. Looks like it is covering some ground and would have had to cross Bohemian Hwy. This, I believe is the first time we have seen a bear at the camp in the 19 years I have worked there.

Cool to see these bear pictures, but I really hope that people will keep any available food/compost/pet food/etc. away and also stay away from the bear. It would be a real shame if the guy had to be killed because of curious humans. And if you have chickens or pets, keep them really secured!

This is kind of weird, and I'm hearing this only second hand but...I just ran into a neighbor who told me she has a friend who lives near Furlong Road and Occidental Road who said she had a bear at her place this morning.

Real? False sighting? If real, does that mean the bear wandered back eastward during the night? Or, is it possible there are two bears?

I hope any more local bear sightings are reported here.

Scott

I live off of Bittner Rd next to the CYO camp and saw the bear this morning 7:00. Same bear, looks to be young and about 100lbs. 2 cubs for a litter are common so there could be 2 that have recently left their mother It sniffed my compost pile and then moved on back into the camps property.

That's not very far for a bear to travel - at all.

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Posted in reply to the post by Scott McKeown:

This is kind of weird, and I'm hearing this only second hand but...I just ran into a neighbor who told me she has a friend who lives near Furlong Road and Occidental Road who said she had a bear at her place this morning.

Real? False sighting? If real, does that mean the bear wandered back eastward during the night? Or, is it possible there are two bears?

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My husband found this interactive map which coud be a neat way for us to compile and track all of the bear sightings. Please feel free to add locations (and photos) of any further bear sightings in the map below or make corrections of info we added which might not be totally accurate. Also, hopefully someone could find out and add information about the sightings at Willow Creek, Harrison Grade Rd, possible Furlong Rd. and the OAEC I heard about today. Our best bet in the absence of telemetry. Happy tracking..

Interactive map (not available on the digest):

It's my understanding that bears can roam in a range of 125 miles. Bears come out of the den hungry and needing to gain weight, and it's not blackberry season yet.

My son was carefully studying all the photos of the bear posted here and pointed out that the muzzle on the Jonive/Occidental bear (posted by studioslips) was fairly light and that the body type matched the bear in Scott's photos even though the muzzle looks dark on his photo. The bear at the compost bucket (posted by Richard) clearly has a darker brown muzzle. It looks similar to the OAEC bear whose picture is on the map. However the OAEC bear has a whitish patch on its muzzle. Could be just differences in lighting and detail on the photos or as Scott and others have mentioned, there could be two bears or even three.

As bohomiller noted, there could be two yearlings who have recently separated from their mother, like Gypsey talked about observing on Vancouver Island. This is called "family break up." When it happens the young bears have to find their own territories (females tend to pick areas closer to their mother's territories - males have a wider roaming radius).

I don't know about the denning habits of black bear here along the coast where it doesn't freeze - does anybody know? Typically it takes them a while to work up an appetite after hibernation as their stomachs have shrunk in size. Newly separated yearlings, however, would be quite hungry and can be a bit skittish before they establish themselves.

Photolite mentioned that Fish and Game says there is a growing population of black bear in the coastal hills east of Bodega. We could have more visits from these coastal bears if there are insufficient preferred foods out there. The good news is that there is increasing evidence that bears and people can coexist peacefully. :):

First sightings I heard of were on Willow Creek Rd. about 3 weeks ago but it's not shown on the map. Same, small, brown bear in a compost heap.

Here is another interesting tidbit. My neighbor originally called me to let me know that the bear was on its way to my house on Wednesday morning. When I got home from work that night she had left me a message that about 2 hour later there was a large Coyote following the same path as the bear. Someone in an earlier post made the comment that bears often follow mountain lions to cleanup after them. It makes since that the Coyotes may do the same things for the bear. Anyone else see the coyote?

I've seen coyotes recently. Last week, there was one on Highway 12 in the Laguna at about 8:45 a.m. It was crossing from the north side to the south side.

And I'm almost positive I just saw a coyote chasing two or three deer past the window of my study, where I'm working. It was the right size and color but zipped by so fast I can't be positive what, exactly, it was. The deer were clearly spooked and running for their lives. Have not heard any screaming so I think the deer got away.

I'm just above Atascadero Creek, about a mile and a half from downtown Sebastopol.

Speaking of critters....
Years ago, when we moved into the country near Geyserville, we were taking a walk up the hill from our house when we came upon a late rain pool of standing water in the shade, under a cliff. As it was a sizable puddle in the summer there were many tracks in the surrounding hardened mud. There we saw our first mountain lion tracks (huge) and bear tracks, front and back paws (bigger yet). As we moseyed on we inadvertently disturbed a rattlesnake who slithered off into the tall grass and who in turn, set off a series of unmistakably porcine grunts from the large troupe of wild boars who had been lounging there.
It was a pretty cool, if somewhat dicey, welcome to California!

Here's a static copy of the updated bear tracking map as of May 31 at noon.

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...1_12-40-19.png

To see the live interactive map, see this post.

I think it`s heading to the Bohemian Grove Spring Jinx in Monte Rio, starts next thursday...

As far as I know, while black bears are somewhat carnivorous in that they will occasionally feast on a leftover carcass (they are opportunistic) coyotes are straight carnivores looking for (mostly small) fresh prey.

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Posted in reply to the post by bohomiller:

Here is another interesting tidbit. My neighbor originally called me to let me know that the bear was on its way to my house on Wednesday morning. When I got home from work that night she had left me a message that about 2 hour later there was a large Coyote following the same path as the bear. Someone in an earlier post made the comment that bears often follow mountain lions to cleanup after them. It makes since that the Coyotes may do the same things for the bear. Anyone else see the coyote?

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Has anyone besides me noticed how we have all united on Wacco to talk about wildlife and especially "our" bear? With all due respect to my fellow feisty, caring Wacco-ites, today we're not arguing, angry or pushing a particular agenda---we're sharing. Regardless of who we are or how we vote in the rest of our lives, we have something wonderful in common that makes us a community: an amazing wild creature- a bear.

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Posted in reply to the post by Claire:

Speaking of critters....
Years ago, when we moved into the country near Geyserville, we were taking a walk up the hill from our house when we came upon a late rain pool of standing water in the shade, under a cliff. As it was a sizable puddle in the summer there were many tracks in the surrounding hardened mud. There we saw our first mountain lion tracks (huge) and bear tracks, front and back paws (bigger yet). As we moseyed on we inadvertently disturbed a rattlesnake who slithered off into the tall grass and who in turn, set off a series of unmistakably porcine grunts from the large troupe of wild boars who had been lounging there.
It was a pretty cool, if somewhat dicey, welcome to California!

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I did notice this and it has made me smile whenever I think about it. Our bear!

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

Has anyone besides me noticed how we have all united on Wacco to talk about wildlife and especially "our" bear? With all due respect to my fellow feisty, caring Wacco-ites, today we're not arguing, angry or pushing a particular agenda---we're sharing. Regardless of who we are or how we vote in the rest of our lives, we have something wonderful in common that makes us a community: an amazing wild creature- a bear.

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I have been hearing coyotes at the north end of Sebastopol. We also had a very loud fox calling at night. Freaked out the cats!

Jessica
www.mandalaconcierge.com

>

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

As far as I know, while black bears are somewhat carnivorous in that they will occasionally feast on a leftover carcass (they are opportunistic) coyotes are straight carnivores looking for (mostly small) fresh prey.

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When I hear about bears being in the west county areas I am not surprised. But I am concerned about these bears. I remember in the late1980's or early 1990's a couple of friends told me they were hiking on some property near the Russian River and seeing a horrifying sight . The property was part of Korbel Winery and they came upon a dead bear which died a horrible death looking like it was shot and then beaten to death and strung out with it's body was raised up into trees , all four legs spread out tied to different trees. Just left there ,the whole animal abandoned . Maybe they thought other bears would come and check it out and they would kill them also,who knows . One thing I know is this property is privately owned by Korbel and winery owners will kill anything that they think will threaten their grape harvest.......

I hope these bears as the worst, only recieve safe handling and transportation to a safe area where they can live their lives in a peaceful,healthy manner.There are too many trigger happy people out there as well and I hope these animals recieve respect ,not fear from us all and death. Remember, the bear, the wolf, the bald eagle are respected as sacred animals to many native americans....take care.

from Elizabeth --

I was going to express gratitude for a post from odeek9, but found it had been deleted. I have no idea why, because it sure sounded sane and caring to me. So here's what I'd intended to say. Making this news in the PD and reporting it to F&G are probably the worst thing that could happen to "our bears."

When CB and I moved here in 1999, one of the things that I found completely endearing about West County (after getting used to the idea that all this beauty was now my HOME) was the fact that Tom Waits could be left in peace. No mobbing, no pointing. In fact, I really felt like a Citizen when I stood in line behind TW at the Rite Aid and refrained from swooning.

Now, these bears haven't signed for a major label yet, I understand that. But if they're really going to be "our bears," I think a little Tom-Waits-style respect is in order. Let's rejoice and enjoy among ourselves, let's give the critters their space, and let's not turn them into the newest McDonalds clowns.

watch this bear do tricks:


https://www.youtube.com/embed/5GPuQ01FpQM?feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5GPuQ01FpQM

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Posted in reply to the post by theindependenteye:

from Elizabeth --

I was going to express gratitude for a post from odeek9, but found it had been deleted. I have no idea why, because it sure sounded sane and caring to me. So here's what I'd intended to say. Making this news in the PD and reporting it to F&G are probably the worst thing that could happen to "our bears."

When CB and I moved here in 1999, one of the things that I found completely endearing about West County (after getting used to the idea that all this beauty was now my HOME) was the fact that Tom Waits could be left in peace. No mobbing, no pointing. In fact, I really felt like a Citizen when I stood in line behind TW at the Rite Aid and refrained from swooning.

Now, these bears haven't signed for a major label yet, I understand that. But if they're really going to be "our bears," I think a little Tom-Waits-style respect is in order. Let's rejoice and enjoy among ourselves, let's give the critters their space, and let's not turn them into the newest McDonalds clowns.

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Thank you Elizabeth. I deleted it as my insecurities rose their collective ugly heads and, as my first post, I felt that my message may have been a bit overbearing (unintentional pun). In retrospect, even though my caveats are perhaps valid, I did not want to cast a pall over such a joyous event and the attending posts.

But I am convinced that over exposure, knowing full well that the temptation-mine as well-to want all to embrace the story of "our bear (s)" is intense, is fraught with potential dangers for the youngster e.g. the ramifications of over reactions by folks, the not always positive involvement of F&G, the appearance of unwanted and, in my opinion, immoral and unethical hunters, etc..

A worrier by nature, I'm really concerned about the inevitable interactions with folks not as thrilled as are we especially if an increase in bear population within our area is true. All too often there are serious negative consequences when increased interaction between idiot humans and the rightful inhabitants of any area occurs. Sadly the loser in such instances are the non-human animals. All I'm suggesting/asking is that we are all a bit circumspect about sharing our story. Thanks-alan

Tommy: What is your reason for posting this video? I don't understand...
Virginia

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Posted in reply to the post by tommy:

watch this bear do tricks:


https://www.youtube.com/embed/5GPuQ01FpQM?feature=player_embedded

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5GPuQ01FpQM

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What happened when your friends reported this horrific death of this bear and it was verified it was killed on Korbel property?

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Posted in reply to the post by mamaj:

When I hear about bears being in the west county areas I am not surprised. But I am concerned about these bears. I remember in the late1980's or early 1990's a couple of friends told me they were hiking on some property near the Russian River and seeing a horrifying sight . The property was part of Korbel Winery and they came upon a dead bear which died a horrible death looking like it was shot and then beaten to death and strung out with it's body was raised up into trees , all four legs spread out tied to different trees. Just left there ,the whole animal abandoned . Maybe they thought other bears would come and check it out and they would kill them also,who knows . One thing I know is this property is privately owned by Korbel and winery owners will kill anything that they think will threaten their grape harvest.......

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Posted in reply to the post by theindependenteye:

Making this news in the PD and reporting it to F&G are probably the worst thing that could happen to "our bears."

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Somewhat ironically, when the reporter from the PD called me up to interview me about the bear (although I didn't end up in the article and don't know how they got my phone number) she told me she heard about the bear from my posting here on Wacco. And while I wouldn't have called Fish and Wildlife (and didn't, my neighbor did) I was pleased about how they basically said the bear had a right to be here too and gave tips about how to help protect the bear.

Scott

Sorry - I'm struggling with adding this photo and details. I tried (and failed) to put it on the map. This photo (according to Facebook) was taken on Saturday, June 1st at St. Dorothy's Rest in Camp Meeker.


I walk in the woods almost daily and I'm grateful to know if the bear is still roaming nearby. I hope it soon finds it's way to a wilder area away from so many people.

absolutely a falken incredible photo

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Posted in reply to the post by studioslips:

Sorry - I'm struggling with adding this photo and details. I tried (and failed) to put it on the map. This photo (according to Facebook) was taken on Saturday, June 1st at St. Dorothy's Rest in Camp Meeker.

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This bear is hilarious! One of the most laid-back looking wild animals i've ever seen!!!

This was reported to animal control, we never heard anything about the bear after that. There was not any stories in the Press Democrat either. Very sad.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

What happened when your friends reported this horrific death of this bear and it was verified it was killed on Korbel property?

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:thankyou1:
I too have been worried that a local hunter will kill that bear, or others.
:fireright::balance:

Not sure what we can do about that. What are the bears' and property owners' rights? Anyone?

Mixing many headlines; what can we do to help how law enforcement handles all of it; responding to agitated wild life in animal and human form?

* Starters

Please help initiate Federal, State & local: mandates and funding for law enforcement's equipment & training for non-lethal response methods to calls regarding wildlife threats to: crops, other animals or humans.

Is your local community prepared to take action that way?

After the delightful sighting of a young bear in western Sonoma County recently, I was reminded of the mountain lion sighting in downtown Sebastopol not long ago. It had prompted me to call Fish & Wildlife that day to inquire about local police having the equipment to deal with their responses to these calls non-lethally. F&G's phone was busy ALL day, or not working right. With too many other priorities, I never followed up with this action.

So last night at the Sebastopol City Council meeting, as the budget talks were going on, I mentioned this to the Chief of Police. He indicated he agreed that tranquilizer guns were better than bullets for bears, etc; and that their police force was not equipped with tranquilizer guns.

Our: President, Governor, Congress, Fish & Wildlife, Counties, Cities, etc., need to hear from us. In my view, Wildlife deserves due process and relocation before annihilation; as much as humans do, in every land.

To fund this value, we must add it to the City of Sebastopol budget before they finalize it very soon. Ask all our representatives to do it; have the State & Federal government re-direct their budgets to respect our humane values; at home and abroad.

Humans don't have to fight; each other, or nature.

Fund and operate only as defense = we all win. A true victory.

No matter what the agenda item, Bill, Proclamation or Resolution; it will only happen when enough of us work until it is so.

[I moved the balance of this post, about general political issues to "Civics + math can replace politics" in National Politics category. - Barry]

Brock Dolman of Occidental Arts and Ecology just sent me this link to the OAEC website about a bear on OAEC property:

https://oaec.org/living-in-bear-country

The bear shown on the link was seen recently at OAEC at the same time there were bear sightings further east close to Sebastopol. Brock tells me that last year some folks on Willow Creek Road were monitoring a mother bear and at least two, possibly even three cubs. Since recently there were similar bears seen at two places at once, the thinking is that these might be sibling bears that were the cubs seen last year.

Scott

I have some simply horrible news. A neighbor, with whom I have not spoken regarding our bear, just informed me that a bear is in our vicinity and killed two small goats either last night or this morning. Please forgive me for any lack of clarity as I'm rather shaken. The killing occurred at a friend of my neighbors and evidently the bear was seen by him in a tree. Before or after I do not know-the facts? are limited.

I live on the upper portion of Starrett Hill in Monte Rio & was told the incident occurred just over the hill-to the south. I know no more. My neighbor is not one to share untruths. The owner of the goats is not out for blood, but I'm afraid that this kind of thing was inevitable and my fears of harm befalling the young bear may be coming into fruition.

In my estimation, though certainly not an expert by any means but having spent a great deal of time around bears when years ago my brother and I spent months at a time each year camping out in the Mokelumne Wilderness area in the high Sierra, it seems to me (perhaps grasping for hope) that our bear is a bit young and inexperienced for such behavior. Though it must be said that young goats are simple prey, not to mention the fact that they were being housed in a shed of sorts and trapped if you will.

I pray that none of this is true, or committed by an older bear, mountain lion, or whatever. I probably should listen to my own warning and not even post this but am feeling that it won't magically disappear and that you should all be apprised of the situation. To reiterate, this has not been verified or validated so perhaps it is all a mistake on some level. I don't know-I'm a bit confused. Time will tell. Btw, in response to a post of days ago, bears are no longer relocated as it's a budgetary concern. Euthanasia is much more cost effective.

I'm so sorry for, perhaps, trampling upon our lovely dream.
alan

How many years ago was this on Korbel property?

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

What happened when your friends reported this horrific death of this bear and it was verified it was killed on Korbel property?

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If it happened, it WAS a crime and I am amazed if Fish & Wildlife--who I respect greatly- never followed up and that the Press Dem ignored it. If it is just rural legend, then let's not slander wineries and Korbel unfairly. Anyway I intend to check this out. If I get some info, I will share on Wacco.

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Posted in reply to the post by mamaj:

This was reported to animal control, we never heard anything about the bear after that. There was not any stories in the Press Democrat either. Very sad.

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All the more reason to follow the directions on the OAEC website. We don't want the bears to get cozy with being around people. Doing what you can to bear-proof and scaring the bear away is for their own good.

I do hope that this is not a bear attack. There are other predators about, so who knows?

Jessica

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I have some simply horrible news. A neighbor, with whom I have not spoken regarding our bear, just informed me that a bear is in our vicinity and killed two small goats either last night or this morning. Please forgive me for any lack of clarity as I'm rather shaken. The killing occurred at a friend of my neighbors and evidently the bear was seen by him in a tree. Before or after I do not know-the facts? are limited.

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After I responded a little while ago to this post stating I intended to check this out further, I began some research which I would like to share. Here's a summary:
1.) Grizzlies are extinct in California and are cited as the reason black bears are returning in numbers to Marin and Sonoma County.
2.) The last black bear actually seen in Marin County before the 2000's was in 1863. That's right, 1863.
2.) Black bears were extinct here in 1901 though there were stories of sightings up until 1971. None recorded..
3) The first recorded black bear return to Sonoma County was in 1999 and it was in Glen Ellen California.
Nothing after that until the 2000's. Nothing in the 1980's or early 90's.
This is a summary of info available in greater detail at www.sonoma.edu and ,for a list of actual bear sightings, www.sfgate.com, click "outdoors" tab and search for "Bear Tales: Ursine Mysteries." Written in 2008.
I hope this info is helpful as we learn more about the re-emergence of black bears in our county.
Fish & Wildlife has a Keep Them Wild campaign about respecting wildlife and the Sonoma.edu site is also very informative about all kinds of wildlife. Great to share with your loved ones!

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Posted in reply to the post by mamaj:

This was reported to animal control, we never heard anything about the bear after that. There was not any stories in the Press Democrat either. Very sad.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

3) The first recorded black bear return to Sonoma County was in 1999 and it was in Glen Ellen California.
Nothing after that until the 2000's. Nothing in the 1980's or early 90's.

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I have in my possession the casts from bear tracks on our driveway approx. 1980 from the ranch I lived on in North Sonoma County, on the ridge just south of Geyser Peak. A salmon BBQ drew them from wherever, and slumbering guests awoke to bears sniffing their sleeping bags in the wee hours.
Whatever official records are kept by F&G, I'd say there are more sightings than reports made to government agencies.

i am not surprised that the pd never did a story on this--nor am i surprised that no one was ever prosecuted for such a horrific crime. realize this, dear wacconians: whether its a rape and sexual assault or the questionable bathtub murder of a female employee a couple of decades ago who threatened to "blow the whistle" on certain illicit activities on their property; whether its their illegal decimation of a grove of protected redwoods or dumping their chemical waste into the russian river, or the tragic slaying of roaming wildlife, korbel will always be exempt from prosecution in sonoma county! in 2006, i extensively researched their laundry list of questionable and blatant practices after my daughter's assault by the heck/korbel daughter's boyfriend in their private "executive playrooms".... this county has been bought and paid for by mister h and his cronies for years and will continue to be. beware of the power given to this wine industry that is so adored and blindly worshiped in this county.... let's pray our bear (s)--and most intelligent humans--- stay out of their way...

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

If it happened, it WAS a crime and I am amazed if Fish & Wildlife--who I respect greatly- never followed up and that the Press Dem ignored it. If it is just rural legend, then let's not slander wineries and Korbel unfairly. Anyway I intend to check this out. If I get some info, I will share on Wacco.

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Thanks for the link, Scott!

Here's the flyer and the great bear shot from that link. The full printable flyer is here.

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...6_11-30-26.png


https://oaec.org/sites/default/files...%20pic_web.jpg

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Posted in reply to the post by Scott McKeown:

Brock Dolman of Occidental Arts and Ecology just sent me this link to the OAEC website about a bear on OAEC property:

https://oaec.org/living-in-bear-country

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Yes. Bear-safe shelters for pets and livestock is needed.

Anyone know about how old the bear is?

I would add to that list:
Keep chickens and pets tightly secured indoors at night.

Are those actual pictures of "our bear"? Wow! Who took them?
Marty

I understand how shaken you are and applaud your common sense re the different possibilities regarding how these goats were killed.(I tend to think-coyote.) Black bears are among the least carnivorous of any bear species though can be opportunistic as in feasting off of mammals already dead. SO it's highly unusual if that is what happened.

Fish & Wildlife should be notified. Did the person whose goats were killed and who saw the bear take a photo? That could be helpful. If the bear is an aggressive bear then F & W may choose to euthanize. As far as I know, here you do not transport bears back to the wild.

Last but not least as I shared in a recent post, the website www.sonoma.edu has helpful info about bears, and so does www.baynature.org, plus www.sfgate.com (see recent post for link to history of bear sightings in the Bay Nation.)
Knowing the history of bears in our county including their rare and now very gradual re-emergence after being extinct for almost a century, as well as their habits- could be helpful.

Thanks again for your post. It is so important that we separate fact from rumor and just report what we know and learn with respect for all involved. You did this. You have my gratitude!

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I have some simply horrible news. A neighbor, with whom I have not spoken regarding our bear, just informed me that a bear is in our vicinity and killed two small goats either last night or this morning. Please forgive me for any lack of clarity as I'm rather shaken. The killing occurred at a friend of my neighbors and evidently the bear was seen by him in a tree. Before or after I do not know-the facts? are limited.

I live on the upper portion of Starrett Hill in Monte Rio & was told the incident occurred just over the hill-to the south. I know no more. My neighbor is not one to share untruths. The owner of the goats is not out for blood, but I'm afraid that this kind of thing was inevitable and my fears of harm befalling the young bear may be coming into fruition.

In my estimation, though certainly not an expert by any means but having spent a great deal of time around bears when years ago my brother and I spent months at a time each year camping out in the Mokelumne Wilderness area in the high Sierra, it seems to me (perhaps grasping for hope) that our bear is a bit young and inexperienced for such behavior. Though it must be said that young goats are simple prey, not to mention the fact that they were being housed in a shed of sorts and trapped if you will.

I pray that none of this is true, or committed by an older bear, mountain lion, or whatever. I probably should listen to my own warning and not even post this but am feeling that it won't magically disappear and that you should all be apprised of the situation. To reiterate, this has not been verified or validated so perhaps it is all a mistake on some level. I don't know-I'm a bit confused. Time will tell. Btw, in response to a post of days ago, bears are no longer relocated as it's a budgetary concern. Euthanasia is much more cost effective.

I'm so sorry for, perhaps, trampling upon our lovely dream.
alan

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The SF Gate article was about more than reports to government agencies, and is interesting due to all the unusual sightings of the bears that like your sighting, could be verified. How great to add this one to the history.

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Posted in reply to the post by Vitality Glassware:

I have in my possession the casts from bear tracks on our driveway approx. 1980 from the ranch I lived on in North Sonoma County, on the ridge just south of Geyser Peak. A salmon BBQ drew them from wherever, and slumbering guests awoke to bears sniffing their sleeping bags in the wee hours.
Whatever official records are kept by F&G, I'd say there are more sightings than reports made to government agencies.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

I understand how shaken you are and applaud your common sense re the different possibilities regarding how these goats were killed...

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Thanks for your input. I only see my neighbor when he's on a walk with his wife so I can't comfortably gather additional information until I next see him.

When he called out my name, from the street, I came to the deck while on the customary forever hold with Comcast hence I wasn't able to give to him my full attention, in addition to his somewhat frantic behavior. So, as I stated before, I do not have the full story.

I agree with you that as far as bears go the black bear is usually relatively non-aggressive. Full of bluff and bluster is ordinarily the extent of it. There have been exceptions of course. As far as diet is concerned it's extremely eclectic but the taking down of a deer or moose calf, etc., which does happen (by adult males normally), is not a weekly event. Grubs, vegetation, berries, fish, small game, carcasses, our carelessly left food remnants are the norm. In my humble estimation, all of this combined with "our" bear but 2 years old, in all likelihood, and having just left mom makes it all seem odd. Perhaps I'm very mistaken and the attack is a common occurrence, but I don't think so. I certainly do not mean to sound as a know-it-all because I'm so far from it. But this even sounds a bit like that to me, lol. Please forgive me.

As time goes by I'm leaning towards the story being suspect, unintentionally. Although he did tell my neighbor that he saw a bear in a tree. Who knows, in the relaying of the story and the excitement/fear/anxiety likely associated with it all perhaps things got skewed-at least this is my hope. Plus there has been no word of the attack from any other source to my knowledge. A bit strange is my feeling.

As I mentioned once before, as did you, relocation is no longer a viable course of action. Too expensive. If a nuisance bear is not deterred by aversion practices-they now employ "specialists" in this area throughout the Tahoe basin-then it's in big trouble.

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that they wished that the bears would migrate to areas free of humans. Though not feasible, due to many factors most notably population increases, my wish would be that humans would remain in areas free of bears and not be so arrogant as to assume our supposed superiority-gag-makes it our right to dominate and expand at the expense of all other life forms. Oh well, a fool I am.

I want a bear of my very own.

I have never heard of any black bears killing large animals.
This sounds like a hoax to me.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

.... As far as diet is concerned it's extremely eclectic but the taking down of a deer or moose calf, etc., which does happen (by adult males normally), is not a weekly event. ...

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Posted in reply to the post by wildflower:

I have never heard of any black bears killing large animals.
This sounds like a hoax to me.

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They do on occasion. You may want to look it up. But as I said in my post it does appear a bit strange. On the other hand, my neighbor is not one to play a "hoax." And for him to share the story with me just a day, or two, following Scott's original post, and with us never discussing the young bear sightings seems out of whack.

Some info about bears and livestock. If possible, it might be instructive to share this with your neighbor and see if it fits:

Few black bears learn to kill livestock, but the behavior, once developed, usually persists. The severity of black bear predation makes solving the problem very important to the individuals who suffer the losses. If bears are suspect, look for deep tooth marks (about 1/2 inch [1.3 cm] in diameter) on the neck directly behind the ears. On large animals, look for large claw marks (1/2 inch [1.3 cm] between individual marks) on the shoulders and sides.

Bear predation must be distinguished from coyote or dog attacks. Coyotes typically attack the throat region. Dogs chase their prey, often slashing the hind legs and mutilating the animal. Tooth marks on the back of the neck are not usually found on coyote and dog kills. Claw marks are less prominent on coyote or dog kills, if present at all.

Different types of livestock behave differently when attacked by bears. Sheep tend to bunch up when approached. Often three or more will be killed in a small area. Cattle have a tendency to scatter when a bear approaches. Kills usually consist of single animals. Hogs can evade bears in the open and are more often killed when confined. Horses are rarely killed by bears, but they do get clawed on the sides.

After an animal is killed, black bears will typically open the body cavity and remove the internal organs. The liver and other vital organs are eaten first, followed by the hindquarters. Udders of lactating females are also preferred. When a bear makes a kill, it usually returns to the site at dusk. Bears prefer to feed alone. If an animal is killed in the open, the bear may drag it into the woods or brush and cover the remains with leaves, grass, soil, and forest debris. The bear will periodically return to this cache site to feed on the decomposing carcass.

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Posted in reply to the post by wildflower:

I have never heard of any black bears killing large animals.
This sounds like a hoax to me.

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Well - here is the PD's story about the goats and bear. Lots more detail and more suspicious that is was the bear.
Bear may have killed goats in Monte Rio

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...s-in-Monte-Rio

Oh, I wish we could see the photos and video of the bear swimming in Richard Scott's pool!!!!! :heart:

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Well - here is the PD's story about the goats and bear. Lots more detail and more suspicious that is was the bear.
Bear may have killed goats in Monte Rio

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...s-in-Monte-Rio

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Well - here is the PD's story about the goats and bear. Lots more detail and more suspicious that is was the bear.
Bear may have killed goats in Monte Rio

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...s-in-Monte-Rio

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Thanks for the additional information. I was just told 2 things: there evidently was a story on channel 2 news last night; and my neighbor-a different one- lives about a hundred yards from me said the bear was in their backyard around dusk yesteday. I wondered as not only were the crows going berserk, but my Beagle Odee, on our 2:00 am walk, was behaving very erratically.

This bear has to get to the reserve at the coast quickly or she's a dead bear.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

This bear has to get to the reserve at the coast quickly or she's a dead bear.

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Why can't Fish and Game sedate the bear and move it to the reserve?

Sighting of same cinnamon colored bear yesterday around 4 pm, June 8th. I was driving on Joy Rd in Occidental. The bear lumbered across Joy and very nimbly pulled himself over the gate of the 2829 Joy Rd property. The property's heavy redwood gate was shut but the bear had no trouble scaling it. He appeared to knock down a post or rail in the process. What was interesting was his confidence and familiarity with the place. There was something on the other side he must frequently forage. We notified the sheriff's office who will contact f&g.

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Posted in reply to the post by Linzer92:

Sighting of same cinnamon colored bear yesterday around 4 pm, June 8th. I was driving on Joy Rd in Occidental. The bear lumbered across Joy and very nimbly pulled himself over the gate of the 2829 Joy Rd property. The property's heavy redwood gate was shut but the bear had no trouble scaling it. He appeared to knock down a post or rail in the process. What was interesting was his confidence and familiarity with the place. There was something on the other side he must frequently forage. We notified the sheriff's office who will contact f&g.

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Why?

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Posted in reply to the post by Linzer92:

We notified the sheriff's office who will contact f&g.

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Tattle tale! Stoolie! Informer! Rat fink!

Well I sure wish they could tranq him and move him (or her), but we don't want to see any peple harmed either as the bear gets closer and braver.... Should we start a movement to save the bear and move him someplace safe?

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Why?

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Why?

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As a frequent and respectful invader of the bears' space in the Sierra's, meaning I often camp in the mountains, I would like to remind all that these are not cuddly creatures - they can tear apart cars to get what they want.

While camping, we act responsibly so the bears are not put in danger by our negligence; I'm not sure how I would bear-proof my house or chicken coop. Short of boarding up my windows with iron bars, the bear could easily gain access if he saw or smelt something inside that he wanted.

I don't want to be a fear-monger, but I just think we should be realistic about bears' habits and capabilities. I don't want any harm to come to the bears. During a class about the black bears, the ranger said that when the parks first opened, the bears were fed by tourists and became aggressive when they weren't given what they wanted. Once they became aggressive, they were shot. Don't leave any food out for them and keep garbage inside.

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Well I sure wish they could tranq him and move him (or her), but we don't want to see any peple harmed either as the bear gets closer and braver.... Should we start a movement to save the bear and move him someplace safe?

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I think that's a great idea.

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Posted in reply to the post by Dr Pam:

Tattle tale! Stoolie! Informer! Rat fink!

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What is the point of calling this poster names? The fact is, the department of fish and wildlife tracks and monitors bears as part of its responsibility to keep them safe from us humans.

If we care about this bear, we should care that s/he be encouraged to leave human habitation for a more wild and natural environment. This means eliminating attractants, learning ways to discourage the bear from hanging around, and notifying fish and wildlife so that they can continue to monitor the bear and remove him safely if that becomes necessary.

In addition to their "keep them wild" education campaign, the website www.dfg.ca.gov also discusses in detail the challenging issue of bear management and safety and gives important tips about bear behavior. It also describes the escalating steps that can be taken should a bear become a nuisance or safety threat. The dfg (department of fish and wildlife was called department of fish and game before) describes the following levels in bear management:

1. Remove all attractants so the bear won't be interested..
   
2. If the bear persists in hanging around, learn how to actively discourage the bear so it leaves.(Bears can learn to open doors, and can become progressively destructive and are strongly attracted to smells.)
   
3. If the bear becomes a nuisance, the dfg can decide to tranquilize and remove the bear to safer habitat.
   
4. But if the bear will not remain in this safer habitat and returns, and it's behavior escalates as a threat to public safety or livestock, THEN the landowner can apply for a "depradation permit" to kill the bear.

Personally I would like to be sure dfg is on the case long before it gets to level 4!

The DFG (Department of fish and wildlife/game) has a multi-level program for bear management. I learned by visiting their website www.dfg.ca.gov that they will tranquilize and remove a bear to a safer wild habitat if it starts to become a nuisance.

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Well I sure wish they could tranq him and move him (or her), but we don't want to see any peple harmed either as the bear gets closer and braver.... Should we start a movement to save the bear and move him someplace safe?

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

The DFG (Department of fish and wildlife/game) has a multi-level program for bear management. I learned by visiting their website www.dfg.ca.gov that they will tranquilize and remove a bear to a safer wild habitat if it starts to become a nuisance.

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Can you (or someone) provide a link about this?

I'll have to be convinced by more than the words of the DFG, not always known for their veracity, as far as the sedation and relocation of problematic (for whatever perceived reason) bears is concerned. They most certainly used to but my understanding is that the relocation program was phased out some time ago due to financial restrictions. If it is indeed back in play then great! but I have my reservations.

As far as the "name calling" post is concerned I thought that it was unmistakenly done in humor. I laughed.

I heard somewhere that they will not relocate bears any more. By start a movement, I meant a petition or something to lobby F&W to move the bear - NOT for us to do it ourself!! No, no, no - that would be crazy. Who wants to start a petition? I would be willing to set it up at one of the petition sites if someone else would do the research on exactly who it should be addressed to.

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Posted in reply to the post by gypsey:

The DFG (Department of fish and wildlife/game) has a multi-level program for bear management. I learned by visiting their website www.dfg.ca.gov that they will tranquilize and remove a bear to a safer wild habitat if it starts to become a nuisance.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

As far as the "name calling" post is concerned I thought that it was unmistakenly done in humor. I laughed.

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That's right :wink:

Thanks for getting my humor.

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Posted in reply to the post by Dr Pam:

That's right :wink:

Thanks for getting my humor.

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You're welcome-I think the vast majority of members understood your meaning. A somewhat related thought i.e. being mistaken . When I said "unmistakenly," in the original post, it didn't feel quite right. Since we don't have a spellcheck that I'm aware of (Barry?), I looked it up following the post. There is no such word! I was then kinda awaiting a correction from someone, lol!

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

When I said "unmistakenly," in the original post, it didn't feel quite right. Since we don't have a spellcheck that I'm aware of (Barry?), I looked it up following the post. There is no such word! I was then kinda awaiting a correction from someone, lol!

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Presumably the word you were looking for was "unmistakably". Since your meaning seemed pretty clear, I saw no point in correcting you. (I have learned the hard way that many people resent being corrected, even gently.)

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Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

Presumably the word you were looking for was "unmistakably". Since your meaning seemed pretty clear, I saw no point in correcting you. (I have learned the hard way that many people resent being corrected, even gently.)

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Yup, that's the word I meant to use. As once an English/Lit. major many, many years ago that type of error is particularly offensive. I've forgotten so much that it's a bit disconcerting. I'm constantly mixing there and their up . Ah, the life of one afflicted with OCD!!

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

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Since we don't have a spellcheck that I'm aware of (Barry?), I looked it up following the post. There is no such word! I was then kinda awaiting a correction from someone, lol!

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Posted in reply to the post by [email protected]:

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

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Would you, or anyone, please point me in the right direction? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Would you, or anyone, please point me in the right direction? I can't seem to find it. Thanks

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She was referring to me. :crazysmile:

People might want to check out Steve Searles for managing bears near humans. https://www.thebearwhisperer.com/about-steve.html

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

Well I sure wish they could tranq him and move him (or her), but we don't want to see any peple harmed either as the bear gets closer and braver.... Should we start a movement to save the bear and move him someplace safe?

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

Y.... When I said "unmistakenly," in the original post, it didn't feel quite right. Since we don't have a spellcheck that I'm aware of (Barry?), I looked it up following the post. There is no such word...

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there is now. I like it, it expresses the same sentiment that Bill Maher's "but I'm not wrong" phrase does, and more concisely.

I appreciate the intentions behind your posts, so I wanted to share what I found out from the DFG website.
As an FYI, I was under the impression that Ca DFG did not tranquilize and remove bears and stated that in an earlier post. But to be sure, I went to their website,( link provided in earlier post as www.dfg.ca.gov.) I was relieved when visiting this website to see that tranquilizing and removing the bear is still an option.
What all of us might do is contact the dfg to find out more. For example, the bear management info is not easily accessible on the site. I found out about the dreaded "depradation permit" but contacting the Ag Commission. That led me to DFG.
I have not called them directly about this particular bear who I've only read about on these posts, but anyone can certainly call them.

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Posted in reply to the post by scamperwillow:

I heard somewhere that they will not relocate bears any more. By start a movement, I meant a petition or something to lobby F&W to move the bear - NOT for us to do it ourself!! No, no, no - that would be crazy. Who wants to start a petition? I would be willing to set it up at one of the petition sites if someone else would do the research on exactly who it should be addressed to.

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The link is www.dfg.ca.gov but to get to the bear management program details you have to do a search. I used "depradation permit-black bears."

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

Can you (or someone) provide a link about this?

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Thanks for sharing that the posting was meant in jest. Point taken. See my other posts regarding the DFG removal (tranquilization) option. Certainly you can call them and find out directly.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I'll have to be convinced by more than the words of the DFG, not always known for their veracity, as far as the sedation and relocation of problematic (for whatever perceived reason) bears is concerned. They most certainly used to but my understanding is that the relocation program was phased out some time ago due to financial restrictions. If it is indeed back in play then great! but I have my reservations.

As far as the "name calling" post is concerned I thought that it was unmistakenly done in humor. I laughed.

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Posted in reply to the post by Dixon:

She was referring to me. :crazysmile:

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:dunno: Great. Now I feel more like an idiot than usual. No more posting from me in the wee hours of the morn!

F&G's regional office phone #, in Napa, is (707) 944-5500

Their black bear policy is here: https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/bear/statewidepolicy.html

I called F&G and was put through to their wildlife answering machine. I left a message asking if they have the capability to sedate a bear and remove it to a safe habitat. Their outgoing message said that due to furloughs calls may not be answered right away but they will try to answer on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2 and 5.
Stay tuned...

I did get a private response from a WACCOBBian a couple of days ago that said F&G don't have the funds for this. Hopefully he's wrong.

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Posted in reply to the post by peggykarp:

F&G's state-wide black bear policy is here: https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunt...idepolicy.html
Edit note (Barry?) When I look at this post on the WACCOBB site for some reason a few letters are omitted. The affected part of the link is hunting/bear/statewidepolicy

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Peggy (and anyone else who may be confused about this), commonly on sites like Wacco, when an url is posted, part of it is suppressed (not displayed) so we don't get super-long urls taking up space in the post. The part left out of the display is replaced by an ellipsis (...). The link will work just fine. It's there in its entirety, just not all displayed in the post.

Well, I'm hoping that this beautiful creature can make it's way to Salmon Creek so s/he can have natural food (at least whatever hasn't been poached or poisoned or otherwise damned. Save the bears (and the Gravensteins)!!!

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Posted in reply to the post by Ice Queen:

Well, I'm hoping that this beautiful creature can make it's way to Salmon Creek so s/he can have natural food (at least whatever hasn't been poached or poisoned or otherwise damned. Save the bears (and the Gravensteins)!!!

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I keep hoping that she/he will continue west for a single reason. My neighbor, though not particularly specific, spoke to me of either an open space area, preserve, or some type of protected area at the coast where the bear may find a safe harbor. I couldn't find anything via Google. Is this why you mentioned Salmon Creek though it seems like a strange location to me?

I was just on a job site on Willow Creek and the foreman said there we Bear tracks there this morning. Its still in the area so we need to make its life miserable around people so it will head further west.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I keep hoping that she/he will continue west for a single reason. My neighbor, though not particularly specific, spoke to me of either an open space area, preserve, or some type of protected area at the coast where the bear may find a safe harbor. I couldn't find anything via Google. Is this why you mentioned Salmon Creek though it seems like a strange location to me?

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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.

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Posted in reply to the post by odeek9:

I keep hoping that she/he will continue west for a single reason. My neighbor, though not particularly specific, spoke to me of either an open space area, preserve, or some type of protected area at the coast where the bear may find a safe harbor. I couldn't find anything via Google. Is this why you mentioned Salmon Creek though it seems like a strange location to me?

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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).

The Bear's Song
(more verses invited)

My momma told me,

https://img826.imageshack.us/img826/5280/musicbear.png

you're on your own now
No room for you here,
You'd better move on.

So I ambled out of the forest
Down the road I went,
Looking for a home,
At least a place to rent.

Cause I'm a'wandering, just a'wandering,
And I can't find no home in this world.

People think I'm cute
But they're scared of me too,
Won't give me nothin to eat,
What do they expect me to do?

I'm just a bear, a big bear,
Out here on my own,
I'm a big hungry bear,
Please help me find a home.

Cause I'm a'wandering, just a'wandering,
And I can't find no home in this world.

Quote:

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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).

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That does make sense. Bears ordinarily have 1-3 cubs but normally not all survive due to male bears killing them in order to promote estrous in the female, predation, hunting, etc.. I don't believe that this area exhibits any of those problems to much of an extent. Just surmising but 3 siblings surviving seems realistic to me. I hope so.

Not to mention that the F&G guy who showed up at the initial sighting of the bear said that western Sonoma Co. was supporting an ever growing population of black bears. That's wonderful news as far as I'm concerned.

Btw, mountain lions have been here forever. As a kid in the hills just east of S.R. my friend Orville (lol) and I saw two. They're so secretive it's interesting to wonder how many times each of us has been observed unbeknownst to us.