Multiple residents reported seeing a black bear near the Rancho Granada Mobile Home Park in Carpinteria on Thursday, according to city officials.
The animal was spotted at about 10 a.m. near 5750 Via Real and along a nearby creek. A resident also reported seeing the bear the night before rummaging through trash cans.
City personnel did not observe the bear during its follow-up on Thursday’s report. It was one of a few recent reports of bear activity in the area.
On July 17, the Code Compliance and Animal Control team investigated a resident report near Cameo Road and Casitas Pass Road and found bear droppings. That location is close to where Thursday’s sighting occurred, in an open space habitat frequented by wildlife.
A bear was also found dead on Highway 101 near Padaro Lane in April.
“We notified Fish and Wildlife,” said Juliza Briones, public information officer for Carpinteria. “We are focusing on educating the public on steps to prevent attracting bears.”
City officials are urging the public to take the following precautions:
- Bring pet food and bird feeders indoors
- Keep small animals and pets inside overnight
- Secure trash and compost bins
- Never approach or feed bears or other wild animals
Non-emergency bear sightings can be reported to Animal Control at 805.755.4418. Emergencies should be reported by calling 9-1-1.