Full Notification

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the Novato Police received initial reports of a bear sighting in the area of Miwok Park. The bears were described as a mother and two cubs. Officers found bear scat near the entrance to the Miwok Park playground on the San Miguel Way side.  The Novato Police Department is advising the community to use extreme caution when entering the area, especially ones that are wooded or contain lots of brush.

According to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, bears are generally afraid of people, and aggressive behavior is rare.  However, a bear will be defensive when protecting their young or a food source or if they are startled. Most of the time a bear will avoid confrontation, but if they become aggressive, please take necessary precautions. 

SAFETY TIPS REGARDING BEAR
Although bear sightings are rare in Novato or Marin, you should follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe:

WILD ANIMAL TIPS

• DO NOT APPROACH a bear if seen, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most bears will try to avoid confrontation. 
• DO NOT RUN.  Slowly back away and don’t turn your back on the bear.
• DO NOT LIE DOWN & PLAY DEAD.  Fight back if attacked.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas where bears are most active—dawn, dusk, or at night. 
• Always leave an escape route for the bear.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas. 

• Make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children. 

Instructions:

If you see a bear, avoid it and call 911.