At least two black bears have been spotted in the backyards of homes in the Catalina Foothills and state game officials are asking residents to be cautious.
“We have two confirmed incidents of bears coming into residential backyards in the foothills urban area with our biologists actually seeing both bears,” Leonard Ordway, Tucson regional supervisor for the state Game and Fish said in a news release today.
The north Tucson area adjacent to the foothills of the Catalina Mountains is not typically bear country, but is within a short distance away from more typical bear country in the Catalinas. he said. Bears can cover vast distances in a short period of time.
“Many of the things we asked people to do or not do because of coyotes and other wild animals go double for bears — food and water are the root cause of most human-wildlife conflicts,” Ordway said. “But with bears, you definitely want to make sure your trash and garbage is secure as well and never leave pet food out.”
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Ordway said black bears are large, powerful animals capable of causing people severe injuries.
“We will have to balance the public safety issues along with the animal’s welfare in determining what course of action to take when dealing with any black bear, especially in densely populated areas such as Tucson.”
What to do
Biologists said people should take the following precautions to minimize potential conflicts with bears and other wildlife:
Never intentionally feed wildlife. Even birds feeders can become attractants for larger unwanted animals if they are not handled properly to prevent spillage on the ground.
Secure all garbage.
Walk or jog in groups. Pay attention to your surroundings when hiking, jogging or bicycling.
Supervise your children.
Keep your pets on a leash.
Don’t leave pet food out where wild animals can get at it.
If you have fruit or citrus trees, harvest ripened fruit and don’t let fruit collect on the ground.
Trim the vegetation around your home to eliminate hiding cover for all wildlife.
If you encounter a bear:
Don’t run. Running elicits what is called a predator-prey response — if you run, the animal might instinctively want to chase and catch you.
Stay calm.
Continue facing it, and slowly back away.
Try making yourself look as big and imposing as possible; put young children on your shoulders.
Speak loudly or yell and let it know you are human.
Make loud noises by clanging pans, using air horns, or whatever is available.
If attacked, fight back.
Never get between a female bear and her cubs.
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