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Sierra Madre officials report rise in bear activity; police and Fish and Wildlife coordinating response
Summary
Mayor and police chief described a recent uptick in bear encounters in Sierra Madre, said California Department of Fish and Wildlife has deployed traps and captured several bears, and urged residents to secure attractants and report sightings.
Sierra Madre Mayor Robert Parkhurst and Police Chief Gus Barrientos told residents on Thursday that the city has seen a recent increase in bear activity and that the Sierra Madre Police Department is coordinating with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to respond.
The update, delivered during a public briefing, said state wildlife officers have deployed traps in Sierra Madre and Monrovia and have captured several bears, but it remains unclear whether those animals are responsible for the recent spike in local activity. "Public safety is our top priority," Police Chief Gus Barrientos said, adding that the police department will act "when there is imminent threat of serious injury or death" and only in accordance with department policy.
The briefing included safety guidance for residents. Michelle Trembley of Bear Lovers of Sierra Madre summarized three steps homeowners can take: "block access to bear attractants, food, water, and shelter," learn how to use deterrents safely and have them available, and "work with your neighbors to support one another." The police also asked residents to report sightings to 911 if it is an emergency or to the department's nonemergency number at (626) 355-1414 and to consult wildlife.ca.gov for more information.
Officials said the Sierra Madre Police Department is tracking incidents, responding to calls and sharing information with state wildlife officers and local partners. Chief Barrientos said officers are focused on calls that pose a threat to public safety and noted that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is the lead agency for managing, relocating or otherwise addressing wildlife encounters.
The briefing did not include any formal council actions or policy changes. Officials did say Fish and Wildlife had placed traps in both Sierra Madre and neighboring Monrovia and that several bears had been captured; they did not provide a count of traps or confirm whether any captured animals were the same individuals involved in the recent home intrusions. Residents were reminded to secure trash and outdoor pet food, keep doors and windows closed and locked at night, and to make noise or use a deterrent if they encounter a bear.
For more information, officials pointed to bearloverssm.com for local guidance and wildlife.ca.gov for state resources.
