in California, the bears are coming to town

They splash in pools, scratch at doors or inspect packages. In California (United States), black bears are increasingly found in urban areas. At Pine Mountain Club (California, United States), 600 incidents were recorded in 2023. Thanks to cameras installed in his garden, Ian Sawrey sees bears passing by almost every day, without incident most of the time. As the animals sometimes venture onto the steps of the house, and open car doors, he placed electrical targets, validated by the authorities, around the house.

They also equip the small pizzeria in the village. The city’s security team, during its night patrols, also receives numerous calls, “sometimes two to three per night”specifies Todd Greisen, general manager of Pine Mountain Club. “We want to live with them, we don’t want to kill them. Just prevent them from coming into our homes”he assures.

But animals are increasingly leaving the mountains for large cities like Los Angeles (California, United States). Although black bears rarely attack humans, five attacks have been recorded in recent years. Recent drought and fires in California could explain the increase in reports. Mackenzie Rich, of the California Fish and Wildlife Authority, also puts forward the development of teleworking and video surveillance as potential causes.

A major census will be launched during the summer to find out if the black bear population has increased in recent years. Additional hunting permits may be granted. Each year, California allows hunters to shoot 1,700 of the 40,000 bears that inhabit the state.