Bear-y good neighbors: humans and animals are learning to live together in an expanding LA
People are increasingly crossing paths with the wild animals as homes ring the outskirts of forests, sparking a new era of coexistence
TL;DR
- Black bears in California are increasingly interacting with humans in suburban areas of Los Angeles.
- Bears are drawn to human food sources like trash and pet food because they are calorie-dense.
- Community expansion and climate change are contributing factors to increased human-bear encounters.
- Residents can coexist with bears by minimizing attractants such as unsecured trash and outdoor pet food.
- Social media and doorbell cameras have increased awareness of bear activity, leading to both empathy and potential 'Disneyfication' of the animals.
- When conflicts escalate, bears may be euthanized or relocated, as seen in the case of 'Blondie' in Monrovia.
- Warmer summers and wildfires can alter natural food availability, pushing bears into neighborhoods.