A California black bear, Ursus americanus, has been reported to be making the rounds in and around Gualala in recent weeks, and on Monday, surprised residents spotted the large critter on their own deck behind their house.

Gualala Point Park Ranger Donna DeBaets said a camper was awakened last week at the park campground on the south side of the Gualala River by the rustling of a large animal in the bushes, along with a loud sniffing near his tent, in which he had food stored.  The startled camper did not see the animal, however.

On Monday night this week, under the full moon, Jack and Mary O'Leary looked out their back window on Pacific View Drive (off Big Gulch) to see what he described as a "really big bear" on their deck.

The animal's movement activated the deck lights, and after looking around a bit, the bear gracefully leaped over a waist-high railing "like it was nothing!" and disappeared into the darkness.

DeBaets said parks staff had seen occasional evidence of the bear for months.  Three months ago, a park aide spotted a bear crossing the Gualala River to the Sonoma County side.  Bear scat was discovered two months ago in the front yard of the Ranger residence in the park, and again a month ago in a walk-in campsite at the park.

Park staff reminded visitors about safe behavior in the habitat we share with wildlife:
---Double-bag garbage to help eliminate odors;
---Keep barbecue grills clean;
---Put away pet food when you're away and at night;
---Never keep food in your tent;
---Store food and toiletries in bear-proof containers or in airtight containers in your vehicle trunk;
---Use bear-proof garbage cans or store your garbage in a secure location with your food.

The Department of Fish and Game gives this advice:  If you encounter a bear, never approach it.  Give it plenty of room to pass.  Most bears will avoid confrontation if possible.  Do not run from a bear; stand and face the animal, making eye contact without staring.  Pick up small children and pets to keep them from running.

If approached by the bear, make yourself appear as large as possible by standing up, raising your arms, and opening your jacket.  Yell at the bear, bang pots and pans, and create a loud commotion.

To report an aggressive bear, call the California Department of Fish and Game 24-hour dispatch at (916) 445-0045.