Wildlife
Wildlife
Embedded Files
Fish and Game Warden 719-680-1410
We have black bears! Depending on where you live in the subdivision you may see them often or never. There is fewer than 1 fatal attack by a black bear each year in all of North America. The handful of aggressive attacks are usually initiated by an encounter with a dog and the owner trying to intercede. We need to live with our awesome friends. That means keeping ourselves AND OUR bears safe. Bears who become too much of a nuisance may have to be destroyed regardless of whether the bear has cubs. Bears will get on our decks, break into our cars, and potentially break into our homes. They can pry open a unlocked window with ease. We may meet them on hikes around the property. We want them to not think of us as a food source. Anything that smells is an attractant to a bear such as birdfeeders, trash, dirty grills, food in car, etc.. Do not leave trash outside of the dumpsters. Only use bearproof containers. Hang birdfeeders at least 10 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks. Dont add meat or sweets to compost piles. Do not leave pet food outside.
NEVER FEED A BEAR!!
Generally black bears are not aggressive. Standing on their back legs and swaying is just a sign of trying to see you, and not an aggressive move.
According to our Game Warden Bob Holder using Counter Assault Bear Spray is far more effective than using any type of firearm in stopping a bear who is being aggressive. He suggests having a canister at your home and also potentially carry one when out hiking. He also suggested that we keep rodent poisons in bear proof containers and that electric fencing is an effective deterrent.
Signs of Aggression
Signs of Aggression
Huffing
Popping jaw
Stomps a paw
If your presence causes the bear to look up or change its behavior in any way, you are too close.
What do you do if you encounter a bear?
Black bears are highly intelligent and respond uniquely to people and situations. Black bears seldom attack unless they feel threatened, cornered, or are provoked.
If a bear comes near your home, do your best to safely chase it away.
Yell, blow a whistle, clap your hands, and make other loud noises. But never approach a bear.
DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear
DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
DON’T climb a tree.
Male lions mark their home range boundaries with scrapes - piles of dirt and twigs - to communicate occupancy to other lions. If you see these telltale scrapes, avoid the area and make family and nearby neighbors aware of potential lions in the area.
Signs of Aggression
Signs of Aggression
Crouched
Tail twitching
Hind feet pumping in preparation to jump
Eyes locked on you
Ears forward
Feet underneath them
What do you do if you encounter a lion?
If you encounter a mountain lion:
Walk or hike in groups, making noise to avoid surprising a lion.
Carry a sturdy walking stick and keep children close.
Never approach a feeding mountain lion or one with kittens.
Give them an escape route.
Speak calmly, move slowly, and avoid running.
Raise your arms, open your jacket, and pick up small children or pets to make yourself appear larger.
If you have small children or pets with you, try to pick them up without turning away or bending over.
Never bend over or crouch down, avoid looking like a four-legged prey animal . This action may trigger a pounce response in a mountain lion.
If the lion behaves aggressively, throw objects, wave your arms, and speak firmly. If the lion does not leave the area, face the lion and slowly back away. Fight back if attacked. People have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps or jackets, garden tools and their bare hands.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse