By Mary O’KEEFE

La Crescenta residents in the area of Hopeton Road have reported seeing a bear in recent weeks.

The “big” bear has also been reportedly seen on Hawkridge Drive.

Living in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains bears, mountain lions and other wildlife are part of daily life; however, there are a few things residents should remember about living near wildlife.

Remember to take garbage bins out to the street on the morning of garbage day, not the night before.  Below are some tips from the California Dept. of Fish and Game’s Keep Me Wild.

Bears and other animals are attracted to anything edible or smelly.

• Store garbage in bear-proof containers, or store garbage in your garage until pick-up.

• Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers.

• Put away picnic leftovers; clean barbecue grills.

• Keep pet food inside, and bird feeders away.

• Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing.

• Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles.

• Install or request bear-proof trash container.

• For more information on bears, visit the Fish and Game website at www.keepmewild.org. To report a bear sighting in Glendale, contact the police department at (818) 548-4840 or the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151. For bear sightings in La Crescenta, contact the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, (818) 248-3464.

  Mary Okeefe