Mama Bear, 2 Cubs Spotted Near Marin Park

NOVATO, CA — Novato police say a mother bear and her two cubs were spotted Sunday in the area of Miwok Park.

Officers found bear scat near the entrance to the Miwok Park playground on the San Miguel Way side.

Police are advising the community to use extreme caution when entering the area, especially in wooded areas or those containing lots of brush.

According to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, bears are generally afraid of people, and aggressive behavior is rare. However, a bear will be defensive when protecting their young or a food source or if they are startled.

Police said, though bear sightings are rare in Novato or Marin County, you should follow a few simple rules to keep you and your family safe, including don't approach a bear, especially one that is feeding or with offspring. Most bears will try to avoid confrontation.

• Don't run from a bear. Slowly back away and don't turn your back on the bear.
• Don't lie down or play dead. Fight back if attacked.
• Avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas where bears are most active — dawn, dusk, or at night.
• Always leave an escape route for the bear.
• Keep a close watch on small children when hiking or traveling in or about wooded areas.
• Make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects; pick up small children.

For more information on bears, go to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or keepmewild.org.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.