With spring well on its way, bear activity will be picking up across the area - the Sierra County Sheriff's Office wants to remind you to be bear safe.
This week, deputies with the office were called to a report of a bear ripping a large hole into the siding of a house to gain access.
As officials point out, if a bear has found food somewhere in the past, they'll often return looking for more.
The Sheriff's Office has provided some tips on how to keep your home or car secure during bear season:
- Don’t leave garbage or food scraps outside. Use bear-resistant containers when possible.
- Keep doors and windows closed and locked—even during the day.
- Never leave food, wrappers, or scented items in your car.
- Clean BBQs and grills thoroughly after each use.
- Bring bird feeders in at night, or avoid using them during bear season.
- Use motion lights or noise deterrents to keep bears away at night.
If you do find yourself in any kind of conflict with bears or other wildlife, or observe any concerning animal behavior, contact your local sheriff's office to report the incident; the staff should then provide you with the appropriate contact for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
If you're in the Sierra City area and need to make a report, call dispatch at (530) 289-3700, or email the Sheriff's Office wildlife conflict email address: wildlifeconflict@sierracounty.ca.gov.
