Living With Wildlife

What to do when Encountering Wildlife?

Bears

Living with Black Bear Brochure(PDF)

• Do not feed bears or any other wildlife, this sets them up for acclimating to being around people and increases the chance that they will have to be lethally removed.
• Consider getting a bear proof trash bin from Recology.
• Never intentionally approach a bear. You can make noise when hiking so you don't surprise a bear that might be in the area.
• Don't hike alone or at night. If you have a dog make sure it is on a leash.
• Avoid trails with bear tracks or bear sighting signs.
• If you do encounter a bear make sure it has a way to escape even if you have to step off the trail and slowly walk away.
• If you see bear cubs, steer clear and leave the area as the mother will be near by.
• If you encounter a bear, stay calm. Do not run or make sudden movements. Back away slowly as you face the bear.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear.
• If a bear stands on his hind legs, he is trying to detect scents; he is not necessarily behaving aggressively.
• Consider carrying bear spray in areas known to have bears.

Deer

Living with Deer Brochure (PDF)

• Don't intentionally feed deer. Deer that are familiar with people can become aggressive.
• Never, under any circumstance, approach a deer.
• Be especially cautious of deer with fawns. Mother deer are very protective of their young.
• Attacks by bucks are rare, but bucks may become aggressive in the "rut" season that runs October through December.
• Observe deer from a distance, preferably from inside a structure or vehicle.
• Keep pets inside when deer are in your yard. Female deer with fawns have been aggressive with pets, particularly small dogs.
• Invest in a fence to keep deer out of your yard and plant deer resistant plants. 
• Use extra caution when walking or hiking in city parks or municipal trails.

Cougars

• Stay calm and stand your ground.
• Maintain direct eye contact.
• Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in cougars, which could lead to an attack.
• Raise your voice and speak firmly.
• Cougars often will retreat if given the opportunity. Leave the animal a way to escape.
• If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands.
• If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, bear or pepper spray, tools or any items available.

When and Who to Call?

• If it’s an reoccurring event (the same animal that can be monitored), call ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) at 503-947-6000 and they can start monitoring the animal.

• When a resident has a wildlife encounter that endangers their safety? Call the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211 or Non-Emergency Dispatch at 541-776-7206 an d ODFWat 503-947-6000.