Northstar Bear Facts by Robert Dearwester We recommend you secure dumpsters with a carabineer, so it
will allow the garbage company to maintain easy access to the trash.
Facts about Local Bears
Black bears are the only species of bear in California. They
range in color from blond to black; brown is the most common color. Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour, climb trees
and swim. Never run from a bear. As winter approaches, bears will forage for food up to 20 hours per day, storing as much
fat as possible to hibernate during the winter months. Bears
hibernate less if food, such as garbage, is available. Males are much larger than females and can weigh up to 500 pounds;
the average female weighs 300 pounds. A typical diet for a wild bear consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honey, honeycomb, insects, insect larvae, carrion and small mammals.
Things You Should Know About Living And Working In Bear Country
It’s that time of year again and bears are out in numbers
looking for food prior to the onset of winter. We have had many
There are simple steps that you can follow to protect local
bears and other wildlife from a potentially deadly encounter.
Remember, we must all act responsible in bear country to keep the bears Alive and Wild.
sightings around the property, so please take some time to
At Northstar: Keep in mind that bears and other animals are
keep each other – and our local bear population safe!
using the following guidelines:
review and share the information below. Thanks for helping to
Wild animals naturally fear people; as long as you keep your
attracted to anything edible or smelly. Take precautions by
• Utilize trash receptacles and dumpsters. Pay special attention when securing receptacle or dumpster lids.
distance, they will generally not bother you, unless the animal
• Keep bear-proof trash receptacles and dumpsters closed,
easy access to human food sources, including trash, it has been
• Do not leave trash, groceries or pet food in your car. If you
has become accustomed to human contact. When bears have
observed that their behavior changes. In these cases, bears are no longer cautious and fearful around people, and this may result in property damage and even threaten human safety.
latched and locked at all times.
absolutely must leave edible or smelly items in your car, then make sure the items are in airtight containers and locked in your trunk.
20 | Northstar Living | News Magazine of the Northstar Property Owners Association
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