Ashland Residents Urged to Prevent Bear Encounters as Spring Draws In; Please Don't Feed The Bears!

By Kristy Tallman, May 7, 2024 ASHLAND, Ore. — As fruits and berries begin to ripen, black bears are venturing into Ashland, searching for an easy meal. Residents are urged not to give them a free lunch. Each spring, the alluring scent of unsecured garbage, dirty grills, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food draws hungry bears into the city. This behavior not only causes property damage but also poses safety risks to humans. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the Ashland Police Department (APD) are advocating for a 'BearWise' approach, emphasizing the removal of these food sources. "Bears are intelligent creatures with a remarkable memory for food sources," stated ODFW wildlife biologist Chris Shelton. "They quickly learn where to find food, and this behavior can be passed down to their offspring, posing a safety risk to both people and pets." Police Chief Tighe O'Meara echoed Shelton's sentiments, urging residents to take proactive measures such as securing garbage cans, removing bird feeders, and bringing pet food indoors. In an effort to mitigate conflicts between bears and humans, it is essential to follow these guidelines: - **Never feed bears:** Feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, fosters an association between humans and food, which is against the law in Oregon. - **Secure food and garbage:** Utilize bear-resistant garbage cans and fully enclosed trash storage to prevent bears from accessing food waste. - **Remove bird feeders:** Especially during times when bears are active, as bird seed can attract bears and lead to habituation. - **Never leave pet food outdoors:** This can easily attract bears and jeopardize the safety of both pets and wildlife. - **Clean up outdoor grills:** After each use, to eliminate food odors that may attract bears. - **Check yards before letting pets out at night:** Using a flashlight to ensure there are no bears present. - **Alert authorities to unusual bear activity:** Such as continued sightings during daylight hours or lack of wariness around people or pets. If encountering a bear, it's crucial to remember these safety measures: - **STOP:** Never approach a bear, especially if cubs are present. - **GIVE IT SPACE:** Provide the bear with an escape route. - **STAY CALM:** Avoid sudden movements and slowly back away. - **AVOID EYE CONTACT:** Refrain from making direct eye contact with the bear. - **DON'T RUN:** Running may provoke the bear to chase. - **FIGHT BACK:** If attacked, be aggressive and use any available means to defend yourself. Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency bear activity through the city's bear reporting website or by contacting ODFW directly. In case of immediate threats to human safety, dial 911. For additional information on coexisting with bears, visit [link]. By Kristy Tallman, May 7, 2024 The Republic News Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.