Recent footage of a mother black bear and her cub captured on a webcam near Lane Community College in South Eugene has spurred both wonder and caution.
In the early hours of Monday, May 20th, the two animals crossed before the camera, which a zoology research group had set-up on the far south end of the Marston Forest. The bear mom and her cub climb a tree with their strong claws and limbs.
Brian Wolfer is manager of the South Willamette Watershed District. He says should anyone encounter a bear, to avoid panicking or being confrontational.
“If you have a dog, keep that dog leashed," advises Wolfer. "Because one of the biggest issues could be if a dog goes and chases a bear, or chases bear cubs and encounters the mother, and gets in a fight and then brings that bear back to the dog owner, that can create some problems.”
People are also advised not to handle or harass a bear cub, as a very protective mother is likely nearby. And to limit access to food sources, such as garbage or compost.
Copyright 2019, KLCC.
