Bear Sightings Reported In Sebastopol, Police Say

SEBASTOPOL, CA — Following at least two reports of bear sightings early Tuesday morning in Sebastopol, police are encouraging residents to make sure their livestock are secured in their pens. The first report was received at about 3 a.m. from a caller in the area of Gravenstein Highway North and Mill Station Road who said a large animal attempted to enter their goat pen, police said.

A short time later, police said they got a second call confirming that a large bear was in the area and was last seen headed toward the O'Reilly Associates Building, along Hurlbut Avenue.

Sebastopol police officers checked the area, but did not find a bear.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and California Department of Fish and Wildlife were notified of the sighting, police said.

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"Please be aware that these large animals may be in the area," the Sebastopol Police Department said in an advisory message. "As a precautionary measure, ensure that any livestock, such as poultry and sheep are in secure pens in the evenings, and that garbage cans are secured, as a single food reward could cause a bear to return to search for more food. If you suspect that a bear is near or about your area, please do not attempt to confront it yourself. Contact your local police or sheriff, animal control, or the Department of Fish and Wildlife."

Image via Sebastopol Police Department