We had a bear and MPD responded to the call shortly before midnight last night. It was prowling back yards in the NE corner of the street looking for food. It did upend a trashcan and strew the contents about looking for food. MPD used bean bags shot from a gun to scare the intruder away.Neighbors discussing felt that this was a Neighborhood Watch issue, and it is to a degree. What can we do about it is the most common question raised once MPD officers on sight told those gathered that this is the 3rd bear call this year, earlier and lower down the hill than usual that they have responded too. The officer opined to those there, my daughter Kari specifically, that they expect this to continue and be one of the worse summers for bear intrusions into neighborhoods.
What can you do about it? Simply removing potential food sources like garbage cans that they are looking for food in. Storing garbage cans behind locked gates will help to a degree. Storing them in garages will help more, but seriously, who has spare space in a garage for a garbage can on this street?
Also to keep bears at bay (and other critters like skunks, 'coons, coyote's and the like) don't leave pet food out for them at night on your porches or in your back yards. That alone will help keep the unwanted critters at bay and looking elsewhere.
If you do have a wild animal in your yard call 911 or MPD Cell Watch at 626-357-2355 to report the incident. MPD and Animal Control will respond quickly like they did last night to scare the animals away as needed.
Make sure the new neighbors are aware of this blog...and that we have a Neighborhood Watch. Do we need another Neighborhood Watch Meeting to talk about this and any other crime issues in the neighborhood that we haven't already addressed?
No comments:
Post a Comment