Bear sighting at UC Davis prompts overnight campus alert

A bear roaming the UC Davis campus overnight prompted a campuswide alert early Friday before the university lifted the warning just after 5 a.m.

The bear was first reported about 10:40 p.m. Thursday in the West Village area, UC Davis said.

It was later spotted on the main campus near the Segundo and Primero residence halls and by the Activities and Recreation Center.

The last confirmed sighting came about 12:10 a.m., when the bear was seen leaving campus through the Student Farm, according to the university.

UC Davis police searched for the animal with wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Yolo County Animal Control. The bear was believed to be a juvenile that had reached the age when young bears separate from their mothers and begin looking for their own territory, the university said.

UC Davis did not report any injuries or damage in its Friday morning update. It was not immediately clear whether the bear was found later after leaving campus.

The unusual campus visit comes as black bears across parts of Northern California become more active in spring, when they emerge from dens and begin searching for food. Young bears may also travel widely as they separate from their mothers and seek new territory.

State wildlife officials have urged residents and visitors in bear country to secure food, garbage, pet food, bird feeders, grills and other attractants that can draw bears into populated areas.

"What puts bears at greatest risk isn't a lack of natural food, it's access to ours," Sarinah Simons, a bear management specialist with California State Parks, said in a statement last month. "Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and people."

Black bears are the only bear species living in California today, according to wildlife officials.

Authorities advise anyone who sees a bear to stay calm, keep a safe distance and give the animal a clear way to leave. People should not approach, feed or run from a bear, and should keep children and pets close.

Human-bear conflicts in California can be reported to CDFW at 916-358-2917 or through the agency's Wildlife Incident Reporting system. If a bear poses an immediate threat, people should call 911.

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