Resident Bear in the community of Crowley Lake

Date:     August, 4, 2015
Subject: Recent Bear Activity in Crowley Lake

There is a new local “resident” in the community of Crowley Lake. This is the mountains and bears do share our space.  Due to the current drought conditions, it is anticipated that bears may be forced to seek out food other than their native diet.

Please remember some simple tips to lessen the likelihood of a bear encounter: to avoid vehicle break-ins, do not leave food, wrappers, gum, mints, ice chests, lunch boxes, or anything that smells like food, etc. in your vehicle; do not leave outdoor trash cans open, unattended and unsecured; use proper bear proof food storage containers; do not leave out any type of food including pet food and bird seed; make sure all BBQ’s and outdoor cooking areas are kept clean to prevent problems with bears; and, if you accidentally come “face to face” with a bear, slowly step back and make as much noise as possible to alert the bear of your presence. Also, slow down when driving on local streets and roadways to avoid any potential accidents with wildlife crossing the road. These simple tips are for your safety and the safety of our local bears.

If these simple tips do not work, and your safety is still at risk, or you simply see the new local “resident” wandering in your neighborhood, please do not hesitate to call the Mono County Sheriff’s Office at (760) 932-7549 ext. 7 for non-emergencies, or 911 for emergencies, or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife locally at (760) 873-1171 or via their dispatch at (951) 443-2969. Please do not take matters into your own hands. Please be safe and cognizant of wildlife in all communities throughout Mono County! - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer 

(photo credit: Julie Estridge, Crowley Lake resident)