High temperatures mean more than just hitting the beach, firing up the grill, or sipping a cold beer under the stars. For those living in SoCal lucky enough to have a pool, the hottest months of the year also signal the possible arrival of adorable, hefty, and very curious furry visitors: black bears!
According to Mackenzie Rich, a human-wildlife conflict specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are known to cool off in backyard pools and ponds, and they’re big fans of fruit trees and bird seeds. In some cases, they’ve even made their way into people’s kitchens, she told LAist.
The animals typically travel down from the San Gabriel Mountains, and now that barbecue season is in full swing, the irresistible smell of food can easily draw them closer to homes across SoCal, turning them into their very own Bear B&B. Backyard pools, on the other hand, aren’t just a tempting thirst quenching source: they also offer a perfect place to cool off, much like a wild pond would, and we all know how much these furry friends love the water.
To avoid unintentionally attracting bears to your backyard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife urges residents to take preventative steps such as:
- Secure trash, compost, and recycling in bear-proof containers.
- Pick ripe fruit and remove fallen produce.
- Always clean and store BBQ grills properly.
- Keep windows and doors locked when not at home.
- Bring your pets inside at night.
Bears have an excellent sense of smell, so even strongly scented items like sunscreen can tempt them. Eliminating attractants and blocking access to potential den sites (like crawl spaces or open sheds) can go a long way in avoiding unwanted visitors.
If all else fails and, by some strange stroke of luck, or bad timing, your backyard turns into a bear’s personal splash zone, cubs included, don’t panic. According to Rich, if you’re inside the house and notice a bear outside, the safest approach is to leave it alone. Since the animal is confined to your yard, it’s not about choosing to share the space, but rather avoiding any unnecessary interaction.
Keep your distance, don’t confront the animal, and definitely don’t try to play the hero. Remember, your home might actually be part of the bear’s natural habitat, and all it wants (just like you) is to cool off from the summer heat. Once it’s done, it’ll likely move on.
In the meantime, you can report the bear sighting to the CDFW or call (858) 467-4201 so they can handle the situation safely for both the bear and the community.
Most encounters between bears and humans are peaceful and end up as nothing more than a good story, so if one “invades” your pool, don’t be scared… Just try recording a cute video you can share on social media!