Black bear populations surge | The Plumas Sun (original) (raw)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is taking significant strides to update its black bear conservation plan in a way that comprehensively balances wildlife preservation with community safety. The draft plan, open for public comment until June 14, outlines strategies to manage black bear populations across the state while addressing concerns raised by local residents.

Black bears, an integral part of California’s biodiversity, have seen their numbers grow. The black bear population in California has surged by 45% over the last 10 years. The estimated California black bear population in 2014 was 35,101. In 2024 it is estimated to be around 65,405 (as low as 49,549 to as high as 80,935, according to the Black Bear Conservation Plan population estimate). This growth is driven by factors that include habitat availability, conservation efforts and hunting regulations such as banning hunting black bears with dogs.

The increase in bear populations has resulted in more frequent human-bear encounters, raising concerns among Portola residents. Previously a rare sight, bears now rummage through trash cans and bird feeders, and occasionally break into homes. Some of these encounters have turned perilous, with bears displaying aggression when surprised or cornered.

In a statement obtained by The Plumas Sun, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that a 71-year-old Downieville woman was found dead in November 2023 in her home after a black bear attacked her — a tragic incident marking the first documented case in California in which a black bear took a human life.

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“Black bears typically aren’t dangerous animals; however, they are big strong animals that can do a lot of damage and can cause injury and even death,” said Peter Tira, CDFW information officer. “Bears come into contact with humans typically for one reason — food, including garbage and bird feeders. They lose their natural fear of people when there are those food sources. A healthy black bear is very fearful of people.”

Locals are understandably worried about safety and the impact on their daily lives. In a Facebook online message, Portola resident Summer Smiley wrote, “I find fascinating but can be a bit of a nuisance at times.” Smiley put her trash out one recent night, ratcheted the trash can closed and returned to sit in her small trailer.

“Little booger pulled it out of my trailer and still managed to try and get a bag out!” Smiley said.

Addressing bear challenges in a comprehensive plan

The Draft Black Bear Conservation Plan addresses these challenges. It incorporates advancements in scientific methodologies, including integrated population models, to estimate bear populations accurately. The plan also proposes creating nine bear conservation regions across the state, allowing targeted monitoring and management based on specific needs. Goals include conserving bear populations and habitats, promoting safe viewing opportunities, and minimizing human-bear conflicts.

A black bear roams south-side Portola in November 2023. Photo by Michelle Maddalena DeBerg

Portola resident Michelle Maddalena DeBerg is concerned about local bears. “It is frustrating that the bears rip into our garbage cans, and make a mess. … I wish they could trap them and relocate them to a different area,” she said in a Facebook message to The Plumas Sun.

Portola is designated as a state game refuge (1V). Hunting is prohibited within its boundaries. The most recent California Black Bear Harvest Report shows that in 2020 approximately 54 bears were harvested in Plumas County, representing about 5.25% of the state’s total black bear harvest.

When it comes to feedback, the CDFW wants to hear from California residents on the draft Black Bear Conservation Plan. Tira wants Plumas County to be represented in the feedback, saying, “It’s very important to get the feedback of our rural communities. They will give a very different perspective when they live with black bears.” Californians now have an opportunity to participate in shaping the Black Bear Conservation Plan for California and the community by providing feedback on the draft plan until June 14. Here’s how:

Online comments: Visit the CDFW black bear page to provide feedback online.

Email comments: Send comments to BigGame@wildlife.ca.gov with “Black Bear Conservation Plan” in the subject line. In the message, specify the line number and chapter of the specific sections or content within the Black Bear Conservation Plan that are being mentioned.

Mail comments: Comments can be mailed to CDFW – Wildlife Branch, Attn: Black Bear Program, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

Until bears hibernate for the season, CDFW officials advise residents to secure outdoor trash and food, remove bird feeders and keep windows and doors closed when not in use. They should also install motion-activated lights, avoid leaving pet food outside, trim vegetation around windows to prevent bears from climbing into homes, use electric fencing around gardens and compost piles, and maintain awareness of their surroundings, the CDFW recommends.