Full Notification

An aggressive mother bear and her cubs have been reported in the area of the San Juan Horse Trail.

A Bear Valley Springs resident contacted Bear Valley Police after encountering the bear approximately 1/4 mile up the trail from San Juan Road. The resident reported that the bear moved rapidly toward them from approximately 100 yards away.

The resident was able to leave the area safely and was not injured.

Bear Valley Police are monitoring the situation and advise residents to use extra caution in the area. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and remember these safety tips:

If you spot a bear and it hasn't seen you:
• Maintain a safe distance and quietly back away. Make your presence known by making noise, such as talking, clapping, shouting, or whistling. Do not run. Do not make eye contact. Give the bear plenty of space to move away on its own.

If a bear has seen you:
• Stay calm and slowly back away. Make yourself appear larger by raising and waving your arms, and make loud noises. Do not run. Do not make eye contact. Give the bear space and allow it to move away on its own.

If a bear approaches you:
• Do not run. Slowly back away while making yourself appear larger and making loud noises. Keep children and pets close to you. If you have bear spray, be prepared to use it if necessary. If a black bear makes physical contact with you, fight back and call 9-1-1.

If you find a bear inside your home or another building:
• Stay away from the bear and do not attempt to approach or scare it. If possible, give the bear a clear path to exit. If the bear cannot find its way out, move to a safe location and call 9-1-1.