Sierra City Bear Break-In Signals Impending Active Season

SIERRA CITY — The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release on Thursday announcing that a bear had broken into a Sierra City home by ripping a large hole in the siding. The event is one of the first signs this year of bear activity in the region, which last year culminated in the euthanization of a “problem bear” that had become habituated and had broken into several Downieville properties.

Preventing bears from becoming habituated is a responsibility that must be shared by an entire community, as just one community member allowing a bear to access food from a home or car effortlessly could create an association for that bear between humans and food. The Sheriff’s Office suggests not leaving garbage or food scraps outside, using bear-resistant containers, and keeping doors and windows closed and locked even during the day. The Office stresses to never leave food, wrappers, or scented items in your car, and to clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use. “A bear that finds food near people becomes a problem bear — and unfortunately, that rarely ends well for the animal,” says the Sheriff’s Office.

Active bear-deterrent devices such as motion lights or noise deterrents can also be effective in keeping bears away from properties. Air horns can scare away a bear at close range. At a higher price point, electric fencing or electric mats are considered the most effective defense against bear break-ins by the BEAR League. The BEAR League also notes that while Pine-Sol is no longer considered an effective deterrent, industrial-strength ammonia can take its place.

If you have any wildlife conflict, contact the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 289-3262 or wildlifeconflict@sierracounty.ca.gov. The Sheriff’s Office can provide guidance and alert appropriate authorities at California Fish and Wildife.