Sierra Madre forms regional wildlife coalition and adopts wildlife-management plan to address increasing bear activity

Mayor Robert Parkhurst said Friday that bear sightings and interactions increased in Sierra Madre over the past year, prompting the city to adopt a wildlife-management plan developed under the Natural Resources Commission. The mayor credited Commission members and chairs — including David Robertson, Allison Evans and Jane Nelson — and described partnerships with local organizations such as the Sierra Madre Bear Alliance and Bear Lovers groups to educate residents about coexisting with wildlife.

Parkhurst said the city held a wildlife coalition meeting in August at Hart Park House that drew representatives from about 30 cities to discuss regional strategies and best practices. The mayor said the California Department of Fish and Wildlife participated in town halls and provided guidance at community events. He said the coalition will work with councils of governments in the San Gabriel Valley to share information and extend outreach to foothill communities.

The mayor asked residents to report bear sightings and interactions to the police department so city staff and wildlife partners can assess risk and provide targeted education. He framed the initiative as both a public-safety and wildlife-preservation effort: the stated aim is to keep bears wild while reducing risks to people and property.