VACAVILLE (CBS SF) — A black bear was spotted in a Vacaville neighborhood Monday morning as children were headed to schools in the area, police said.
The male black bear was seen in the North Orchard area of Vacaville along the 200 block of N. Orchard Ave. Video posted by the Vacaville Police Department showed a bear peering out from above the branch of a large tree.
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Vacaville police said officers monitored the bear’s movements while schools were safely assembling for class. The plan was to observe the bear and not take direct action unless it poses a threat, with the hope that he will wander safely back from where he came.
Residents in the area were told to consider bringing pets inside and keep doors and windows closed and if anyone sees the bear exhibiting aggressive behavior to get to a safe location and call Vacaville police immediately.
A black bear has been spotted on the 200 block of N. Orchard Ave in Vacaville. The Vacaville Police has asked folks to stay clear of the area and avoid the bear. The police are planning to “not take direct action, unless it poses a threat.” @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/befjs8h6ku
— BrianKPIX (@brianyuenKPIX) May 2, 2022
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Alamo Creek and the hills of Northern Solano County run through the west side of this neighborhood and neighbors say smelly indications of bear traffic abound.
“I’m not at all surprised at all. A few years ago I saw a scat in my backyard, it was huge. It was fully cherry seeds. At the time I thought maybe it was a bear, ” a neighbor named Barbara told KPIX 5.
“It’s been going on all day. I went to Fairfield today for a doctor’s appointment and I saw the police and I heard about the bear, but I didn’t think it was in my block and now it’s across the street,” said neighbor Karen Killpatrick.
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said officers will tranquilize the bear and take it back to its normal stomping grounds on Tuesday if he doesn’t leave on his own.
Source: sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com.