Bear spotted at UC Davis campus. How to stay safe in California bear country
The bear spotted on the UC Davis’ campus this week is a reminder that the animals are more active now that it’s spring, and they’re out searching for food after leaving their dens.
The juvenile bear’s wander across campus late Thursday and early Friday prompted an advisory to students and a search by UC Davis police and wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Yolo County Animal Control. The animal was first spotted in the West Village neighborhood.
State wildlife officers remind anyone who sees a bear to keep a safe distance and give the animal a clear way to leave.
Here are other safety tips:
- Secure food, garbage, pet food, bird feeders, grills and other items that might attract bears to populated areas. That includes not leaving food in your vehicle.
- Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
- Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear. Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
- Pick up small children and secure pets: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
- When out hiking, hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
- Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
- Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
- Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
- Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
- Don’t climb trees: Black bears can also climb.
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Allison Gibson
The Sacramento Bee