Introduction to the Incident
A tiny but mighty dog confronted a bear over the weekend after the large, furry intruder made its way into a home in Monrovia.
Surveillance footage captured a small dog barking at a black bear after it entered a home on Valley View Avenue. Curiously, the bear lowers its head to sniff the pooch as the dog continues barking, then the pup leaves and the bear continues to explore the home.
Details of the Encounter
The bear in the video noticeably had a tracker on its neck, meaning it likely has been caught breaking and entering before. This suggests that the bear may have had previous encounters with humans or has been monitored by wildlife officials.
Community Response and Past Encounters
“We’ve seen this bear come by a couple of times,” said Lilly Martinez, who lives in the area. “It not only went in to our neighbor right next door, but into the neighbor’s house two doors down; into their kitchen, eating ice cream and pizza, and apparently getting into the pool.” Neighbors in the community spotted a black bear roaming through the neighborhood on Saturday – during broad daylight. They believe it’s the same animal that broke into the home later that night.
Living with Wildlife
“It’s part of living up here,” said Austin Hart, who also lives in the area. “We’re really close to the mountains and they were here first. But luckily, knock on wood, they’ve all been really friendly coming through here.” This perspective highlights the importance of coexisting with wildlife, especially in areas where human settlements meet natural habitats.
Advice from Wildlife Officials
Wildlife officials are reminding the public that now is the time of the year when California black bears forage for food, often going where it’s readily available. They advise people who live in the foothills to lock their doors, use bear-proof garbage containers, and to keep their distance from wildlife if they see them. These precautions can help prevent encounters like the one in Monrovia and ensure safety for both humans and animals.
Conclusion
The encounter between the small dog and the bear in Monrovia serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking precautions when living in areas where wildlife is present. By understanding and respecting the natural behaviors of animals like black bears, communities can work towards peaceful coexistence.
FAQs
- Q: What should I do if I encounter a bear in my neighborhood?
- A: Keep a safe distance and do not approach the bear. If the bear enters your home, try to stay calm and slowly back away while giving the bear a clear path to leave.
- Q: How can I prevent bears from being attracted to my home?
- A: Use bear-proof garbage containers, lock all doors and windows, and remove any potential food sources from your yard and home.
- Q: Are black bears typically aggressive towards dogs?
- A: Black bears tend to avoid confrontations with dogs, but their behavior can be unpredictable. If you have a dog, it’s crucial to keep it under control and on a leash when walking in areas where bears are known to exist.
- Q: What is the purpose of trackers on bears?
- A: Trackers are used by wildlife officials to monitor the movement and behavior of bears, helping to understand their habits and prevent future encounters with humans.
