This is the moment a hungry bear munches on a pumpkin outside a family home in the California foothills as it emerges from hibernation.
The bear was filmed devouring the treat in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, in Los Angeles County, located in the US state of California, on April 7.
In the footage, the bear is seen squatting as it devours the snack by the front doorstep of the house.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said bear sightings are increasing as warming spring weather wakes them from their winter slumber.
LASD Crescenta Valley said on 7th April: “With the temperatures warming up, bear encounters in the foothills will become more common. Today, this bear found what appeared to be a pumpkin for its lunch. For more information on keeping wildlife safe, check out the @CaliforniaDFW website.”
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) in California offers tips for “bear-proofing” your home on its official website, advising residents: “Do not toss food scraps out into the yard, purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container; wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day; do not leave trash, groceries or pet food in your car.”
The DFW also suggests: “Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia. Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
“It is advised to not hang bird feeders in bear country. If you must, only do so during November through March and make them inaccessible to bears. Keep in mind bears are excellent climbers.
“Do not leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
“Keep doors and windows closed and locked when unoccupied.
“Consider installing motion-detector alarms and/or electric fencing.
“Bring pets in at night. Provide safe and secure quarters for livestock at night.
“Consider composting bins as opposed to open composting.
“Securely block access to potential hibernation sites such as crawl spaces under decks and buildings.
“Do not spray bear spray around property – when it dries, it can serve as an attractant.
“Do not feed deer or other wildlife – this will attract bears to your home.
“Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.”
The DFW added: “If a bear breaks into your home, do not attempt to confront the bear. Give the bear an escape route. If the bear cannot make its way out, go to a safe place and call 911.”
