LAKE PILLSBURY — Rumors that circulated around the county about a bear attack at Lake Pillsbury turned out to be pure fiction.
A 19-year-old man reported being attacked by a bear on a rural road at Lake Pillsbury early Saturday morning. After further investigation by Department of Fish and Game wardens, injuries to the victim were determined to be more consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to game warden Lynette Shimek, this report does not appear to be a bear attack. “There is no evidence of bear involvement in this incident,” said Shimek.
The victim was transported to Ukiah Valley Medical Center, treated and released.
According to the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), bear attacks are extremely rare. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has recorded 12 bear attacks since 1980. In some cases, the details of these attacks were not completely known. According to the DFG”s statewide public safety guidelines, a wild animal attack is defined as “physical contact, injury or death.”
A few simple tips for safety when encountering a bear include:
n Keep your camp clean, and never feed a bear
People should never feed bears, even unintentionally. It is also against the law (several local ordinances also cite people for feeding bears). When camping, hiking or backpacking, make sure to keep a clean camp, as bears are far more likely to visit a camp if there are attractants, which include dirty cooking utensils. Also dispose of all garbage properly and use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible, or store garbage in a secure location with food. Don”t bury or burn excess food because bears will still be attracted to the residual smell. Garbage should be packed out of camp if no trash receptacles are available.
n Never approach a bear
Most black bears will avoid confrontation if given the chance. If a bear encounter occurs, make sure to give the animal enough space to escape. Most human injuries associated with black bears occur when a bear is approached. If a black bear approaches, try to demonstrate that you may be a danger to it. Make yourself larger, stand up, raise your arms and open your jacket. Yell, bang pots and pans or whatever objects you may have that will create a commotion.
n Do not run from a bear
Running away from a black bear may stimulate its instinct to chase. No human will be able to outrun a bear. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact, but don”t stare. If you have small children with you, pick them up so they can”t run away or panic.
Department of Fish and Game website, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com.
