Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Are you a bear-wise dog owner?

Research shows that dogs have been involved in the majority of incidents involving people and black bears. Many of those dogs were injured or killed; the people trying to protect their dogs were often injured as well. Take time to discover why bears and dogs naturally don’t get along and how you and your dog can live responsibly in bear country. 

Why Bears and Dogs Don’t Get Along

Black bears are neither confrontational nor aggressive by nature. As a species, black bears evolved in forested habitats, where they learned to respond to danger and avoid trouble by climbing a tree or disappearing into the woods. When those options aren’t available, a bear’s natural instinct for self-preservation kicks in, and the bear will defend itself, its food or its cubs.

Dog behavior is more complex; not all dogs bark for the same reasons. Some breeds bark, lunge and bite out of fear; others have an innate drive to bark and chase. Protective breeds may be trying to guard their humans. And some dogs just really love to bark. To a bear, however, your dog’s motivation doesn’t matter. A barking, lunging, snapping or chasing dog is seen as a threat. It’s very likely the bear will respond by defending itself.

Out Walking Your Dog?

• Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash at all times.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Stay alert; music and phones are distracting.
• Avoid walking at dawn, dusk or at night in areas with known bear activity.
• If you see a bear, turn around and leave.
• Don’t let your dog bark at, harass, chase, or corner a bear.
• If your dog gets into a fight with a bear, don’t try to rescue it. You will get injured. Instead, use your bear spray.

 Living With Dogs In Bear Country

• Feed pets indoors. If you must feed pets outside, feed only single portions and remove bowls as soon as your pet is finished.
• Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash even if you’re just going to the car.
• Install motion-activated security lights. Check the yard and bang on your door before you let your dog out.
• If you see a bear, bring your dog inside. Don’t allow it to bark at or harass the bear, even from inside a fenced yard.
• Pet doors should open into completely enclosed areas; some bears can squeeze through openings as small as nine inches high. Cubs (and other critters you don’t want in the house) can fit through even smaller openings.
• If your dog gets into an encounter with a bear, don’t try to rescue it. If you can do so from a safe distance, use your bear spray or a high-powered garden hose.

To read more about black bear behavior and find additional resources, visit BearWise.org. To learn more about the wildlife of the Pajarito Plateau, visit the County wildlife page.