EDITOR’S NOTE: Bears have been very active throughout North Tillamook County communities, including Manzanita, Neah-Kah-Nie, Nehalem, Bayside Gardens area and Rockaway Beach. The following tips can be helpful, and most importantly, especially with a mother bear – do not approach. Bears usually avoid contact with humans, but many have identified food sources – bird feeders, garbage cans, etc. We are living in a wild place and it’s their home, too. Give them space.
State parks are wonderful places to visit and a juvenile black bear spotted several times at Nehalem Bay State Park thinks so too. It hasn’t caused problems, but let’s keep you and it safe by following a few tips from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
If you encounter a bear:
- Don’t run.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Appear large. Raise arms. Hold small children. Don’t bend over.
- Make noise by shouting, clapping hands, yelling, or whistling.
In addition:
- Keep food secure or in bear proof containers.
- Hike in groups.
- Never assume a bear cub is orphaned or pick it up.
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Carry bear spray or air horn.
Report sightings or aggressive behavior to park staff, ODFW or call 911 if an emergency.
More information available at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/…/living_with/black_bears.asp
Photo description: A bear stands sideways on a road. This is a bear recently spotted at Nehalem Bay State Park
Here is recent video of a mother bear and two cubs, near Nehalem Bay State Park:
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