Increase in bear sightings at San Bernardino campground sparks alarm

An increase in bear sightings at a San Bernardino County campground has prompted park officials to issue an alert warning visitors to stay alert.

“We have about 140 campgrounds, plus six large group campgrounds, which are basically full every weekend from now on, so it’s very popular,” said Ryann Gill, superintendent of California State Park at Silverwood Lake.

As the weather warms, more people will start heading outdoors to enjoy activities at Silverwood Lake. However, after a cold winter and bears emerging from hibernation, sightings will increase.

Bear activity is not unusual in Silverwood, Gill said. We do have bear activity here, however, over the past three weeks I would say we have had an increasing number of at least one bear coming into our campground.

Recently, however, bear sightings have been reported at New Mesa and Old Mesa campgrounds, areas where Gill said bears are not typically seen.

La Verne resident Jerry said he frequently visits the area and was just a few campgrounds away last weekend when a hungry bear was looking for food.

Jerry said they said a bear ate all the meat and Mexican candy in the refrigerator, so we had a giggle. However, no one was injured. There is no such thing.

Seeing the bear wasn’t enough to stop Jerry from returning to the campsite. He said he relies on his dogs to alert him if any bears or wildlife are spotted nearby.

Another camper, Jose Cornejo, traveled from Norwalk to Silverwood Lake Campground with his wife and three young children. He was surprised to hear about bear sightings in the area.

Cornejo said it was surprising. This is our third year here and we have seen deer, rabbits and frogs but never heard of bears here.

Park staff are handing out fliers to visitors warning them of possible encounters with bears. They remind visitors to clean up all food and trash and make sure any leftover food is stored safely in their vehicles, especially overnight.

The campground is not equipped with bear-resistant trash cans, and park officials said they may equip them if bear activity continues to increase.

Most importantly, if someone encounters a bear, park officials say it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

If a bear comes into your campsite, make yourself look big, Gill advises. Wave your arms.

“I’m going to do my best,” Cornejo said. Throw things at it and try to scare them away.

Silverwood Lake Campground is not equipped with bear-resistant trash cans, and park officials said they may equip them if bear sightings continue to increase.

The National Park Service offers the following tips to stay safe if you spot a bear:

• Identify yourself by speaking calmly and let the bear know you are a human and not prey. Stay still; hold your ground, but slowly move your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may move closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. Standing bears are usually curious rather than threatening.
• Stay calm and remember that most bears are not trying to attack you; they usually just want to be left alone. A bear may bluff its way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively, such as barking, yawning, drooling, growling, clenching their jaws, and tilting their ears back. Continue talking to the bear in a low voice; this will help you stay calm and not threaten the bear. Screaming or sudden movements may trigger an attack. Never imitate the sounds of a bear or make a high-pitched scream.
• Pick up the child immediately. Don’t make any loud noises or screams, as the bear may think it’s the sound of prey. Slowly raise your arms above your head to tell the bear to back off. Do not run or make any sudden movements. Don’t make any loud noises or screams, as the bear may think it’s the sound of prey.
• Group hikes and trips. A group of people is usually noisier and smellier than one person. As a result, bears are often aware of distant crowds and can become fearful of crowds due to their cumulative size.
• Make yourself look as big as possible (e.g., move to a higher place).
• Keep bears away from your food. Obtaining food will only encourage the bear and make the problem worse for other bears.
• Do not drop your backpack as it protects your back and prevents bears from accessing your food.
• If the bear is stationary, slowly walk sideways; this allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Sideways moves are no threat to bears either.