Teen bear in Sierra Madre a few days ago (Photo – M.P.)
A teenage black bear was spotted wandering a residential area near Sunnyside and Mariposa around 10:00 pm on Friday, July 11, prompting local residents to take action to haze the animal away from homes and back toward the foothills.
By News Desk
The young bear was attempting to navigate several yards before being gently hazed, a method used to discourage bears from settling in urban areas, toward the Sunnyside neighborhood. It eventually took cover in the backyard of a vacant home at Sunnyside and Mariposa.
“This guy was scared and hid a lot,” Councilmember Kris Lowe said. “That’s a good sign. It means he still wants to avoid humans and can be hazed back to the mountains. We have to keep bears wild and out of our residential area.”
Sierra Madre, nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, frequently sees bear activity during warmer months, particularly when food sources in the wild are scarce. Wildlife experts and neighbors are urging the community to take proactive steps to prevent future encounters.
Residents are advised to:
- Use bear-resistant trash containers, especially for organic waste
- Spray trash bins with diluted Pine-Sol, a scent that deters bears
- Apply the same spray around chicken coops, koi ponds, and other attractants
The reminder comes with a critical message: “A fed bear is a dead bear.” Once a bear becomes habituated to human food sources, it may lose its fear of people, often leading to relocation or euthanasia for safety reasons.
No injuries or property damage were reported during the encounter. Residents are encouraged to continue efforts to secure trash and food sources.
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