Bear Roaming Burbank Neighborhood Causes Resident Concern

Bear Sightings in Burbank

• 🐻 Residents in a Burbank neighborhood are on edge due to a bear that has been repeatedly sighted since Easter.
• 📍 The bear has been observed in the Elmwood Avenue and San Canon Drive area, a neighborhood not unaccustomed to bear sightings, though typically later in the year.

Resident Concerns and Safety Risks

• 🌃 Sightings have occurred multiple times, often late at night, with the bear seen rummaging through garbage bins, walking in front yards, approaching doors, and near parked vehicles.
• ⚠️ Residents are concerned about the potential for the bear to break into homes or vehicles, or to harm someone, especially when walking dogs or simply being outdoors.
• 🗣️ One resident expressed that the situation is escalating and described it as "crazy to wild animal," highlighting the fear of a potential attack.

Official Response and Wildlife Advice

• 📞 Burbank Animal Control is aware of the situation, but the bear continues to be present.
• ⛰️ The city has not issued a formal alert but reminds residents that wildlife from the Verdugo Mountains become more active as the weather warms.
• ♻️ The California Department of Fish and Wildlife advises securing trash and food scraps in bear-proof containers, keeping garbage bins in secured areas, and only putting them out on collection day.
• 🚫 They also emphasize never approaching a bear or bear cub if seen.