Wildlife in South Hills

Our southwest hills are attractive because of the variety of flora and fauna we live among. Part of that beauty is knowing we live among wildlife, often including several deer and turkey, but on occasion, a bear or two.

Over the past couple of weeks residents in the southwest hills have reported black bear sightings on home cameras.  Black bears are not ordinarily aggressive but we should be aware of our surroundings and take precautions for ourselves and our families. It is important to keep garbage cans secured and keep pet food indoors or stored securely.  Please do not feed the wildlife.  It is for the benefit of their health and welfare. 

Please read the information below from ODFW. 

From Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW):

Black Bears

Oregon is home to about 25,000 to 30,000 black bears, North America’s most common bear species. Generally black in color, they can also be brown, cinnamon or blond. Fast and agile, they are good swimmers and climbers who prefer forests, trails and streams. At home throughout Oregon, black bears are omnivorous and have a diverse diet including berries, fruit, grasses and plants. Although they will consume small mammals, insects and amphibians, these bears are not usually active predators.

Bears should never be allowed access to human food or garbage; it habituates them to people and increases the chance of conflict. Once habituated to finding food near homes or campgrounds, bears can become a threat to human safety and must often be destroyed.

Bear proofing your yard and neighborhood can help avoid potentially dangerous bear encounters and keep Oregon’s bears safe and where they belong – in the wild.

Most problems are caused by people feeding bears, either actively or inadvertently. Once habituated to finding food near homes, bears can become a threat to human safety and must often be euthanized. Follow these guidelines (see link below) to protect both humans and bears.

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/black_bears.asp