Crime & Safety

LASD Reminds Residents to Keep Local Wildlife Wild

With sightings of bears and other wildlife common in Altadena, the Altadena Los Angeles County Sheriff’s station reminds residents to take precaution when dealing with local wildlife.

Sheriff’s deputies remind residents that they can take steps to avoid a dangerous wildlife encounters, and to live among local wildlife requires residents to respect wildlife as well. 

The station cites tips from the Department of Fish and Game:

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  • Store garbage in bear-proof containers, or store garbage in your garage until pick-up.
  • Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers.
  • Put away picnic leftovers; clean BBQ grills.
  • Keep pet food inside, and bird feeders away.
  • Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing.
  • Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles.
  • Install or request bear-proof trash containers.
  • Bear Country Precautions

    • Keep a close watch on children, and teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.
    • While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
    • Never keep food in your tent.
    • Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in an airtight container in the trunk of your vehicle.
    • Keep a clean camp by cleaning up and storing food and garbage immediately after meals.
    • Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.
    • Never approach a bear or pick up a bear cub.
    • If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible.
    • If attacked, fight back.
    • If a bear attacks a person, immediately call 911.

    Visit the Department of Fish and Game’s Keep Me Wild Campaign website for more tips on mountain lions, coyotes and other wildlife. 

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