Bear activity picking up in SoCal

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GLENDORA, Calif., Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Wildlife officials in suburban Los Angeles said they expected more bear sightings in residential neighborhoods as winter approaches.

Police in Glendora chased off a black bear that was nosing around a back yard Friday afternoon, and a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Game warned residents they probably have not seen the last of the animal or its cousins.

"We appreciate when local law enforcement takes the initiative like this," department spokesman Andrew Hughan told the Los Angeles Times, adding that bears often come down from their foothill homes to forage for food as colder weather sets in.

Hughan said police are usually able to chase bears off using the patrol car sirens or pellet guns.

Glendora Police Watch Cmdr. James De Mond told the Times Friday's pursuit was cut short to prevent the fleeing bear from blundering into a more-populated area.

It seemed folks were taking its appearance in stride.

"Residents on the street are familiar with this bear and didn't have a problem with it being there. Hopefully he will return to the foothills," De Mond said.