Boom Boom the Bear

Boom Boom | Bear of Fawnskin

Boom Boom The Bear: Photo Credit: Peggy Segwick

The rumor mill is going at full force as the young black bear continues traipsing through town.

Although a lot of people are speculating that it is the bear that was relocated from Hesperia,  a closer look at the photos reveal that the desert critter is more of a brown to blond phase. Since each animal usually has unique features, notice that the head configuration also differs.

Although people want to believe that there are Grizzlies in the area, that species of brown bear has not been found in California since the early 1900s.

Most accounts say the last one was killed in 1922. If you do a bit of research you can find a few interesting stories about this creature still missing from California.

Locally, we have black bears (Ursus americanus) and the western populations include different color phases outside of commonly associated black. These include brown, cinnamon, and blond colorations.

Anyway, the local teenage bear is getting habituated and a bit braver.

According to our own Forestry Biologist, “Boom Boom” is definitely one of the local cubs from an ear-tagged sow born last summer.

He has been kicked out by mom and as an adolescent, it is his job is to get into trouble–but it is YOUR job to keep him out of trouble.

Translation? Quit being lazy.

Pull in all water sources, trash and bird feeders each afternoon to avoid getting this little guy a death sentence.

Next, leave him alone and keep your distance.

If he keeps getting food and water in the neighborhood, it will keep him here and get him habituated–which means trouble.

But, if he quits finding sources of food and water, he will eventually leave.

Now, there are a couple of amusing stories around town.

To the neighbor who was worried that he would not be able to get down from up on the deck.

Uh, bears climb up and down trees all the time. How is a deck different? If he got up, be assured–he can get down.

In case you didn’t hear, that neighbor got threatened by the bear because he approached it.

GG says, “BAD neighbor. No treats for you!”

By the way, if you get close enough to get threatened–that is too close. He was lucky this guy isn’t a secure adult that might have taken action.

Then, Snoop Sister Deb sprinted away with the dogs after a surprise encounter on the road. She may kill me for telling you–but a reminder…don’t run as it isn’t usually a good idea.

Personally, I am relieved she didn’t get chomped and glad the dogs didn’t see or sniff out the bear.

Of course, this bear thought Jean’s house was a great place to sit on the porch for a spell. He probably was enjoying the morning sun over there.

But then, maybe he didn’t want to get bit on the butt by the coyote that was trailing him for a while.

Sounds to me like he is smarter than the average bear because sitting on a human’s porch is a good strategy to avoid coyote issues.

But seriously, we don’t want him to become a nuisance bear.

So please educate (or find ways to creatively bribe or motivate) your neighbors about not taking out their trash (or recycling) early.

Plus, consider doing nifty aversive conditioning techniques some savvy neighbors are using. This involves taking negative actions that discourage the bear from repeating their nuisance behavior.

How to dissuade the bear?

  • Clang pots and pans while yelling.
  • Blare an air horn.

Consider wearing a bear bell during walks. And, if you live adjacent to where he is showing up regularly, use caution and carry a bear deterrentbear deterrent such as bear spray or a noisy air hornair horn.

What should I do in a bear encounter?

  • Give the bear plenty of room.
  • Back away and leave the area.
  • At close range, remain calm and upright–back away slowly. (Don’t run)
  • Don’t crowd the bear’s personal space.

What do bear threats look like?

Although each animal differs, common bear threat signals are:

  • Huffing or Woofing.
  • Rapid In & Out Huffing.
  • Moaning or Bellowing.
  • Swatting the ground or air.
  • Popping jaws.
  • Bluff charges.

Household Tips

After the bear has left:

  • Remove any attractants such as bird food, hummingbird feeders, pet food, garbage, and water sources.
  • Take trash out on the pick-up morning or use a bear proof trash container.
  • Clean trash cans with ammonia to help eliminate odor attraction.

So, GG hopes you let her boss you into protecting the bear by changing your habits and those of the neighbors. Just tell ’em, “A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Do you have a bear story about Boom Boom? Leave it in the comments below.

Other Bear Resources



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This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 and is filed under Mountain Lake Resort, Mountain Wildlife, Small Town Living.

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