A bear spotted in east Medford over the weekend may have left the area. [File photo]
A bear sighted multiple times over the weekend in east Medford may have left the area and returned to the woods, police said Monday.
Medford police first responded Saturday to reports of the bear and confirmed it was in the Brook Court and Ruby Drive area.
“We’re giving the bear time and space to leave on its own. Officers will be monitoring this situation throughout the night,” Medford police said in a Saturday social media post.
Police advised residents to bring their pets indoors and to not put out food for the bear.
Police said Sunday they were continuing to monitor the bear as it moved east. They said the bear wasn’t showing any signs of aggression.
Calls about the bear petered out by Monday, according to Medford police Lt. Mark Cromwell.
“We’re assuming that the bear made its way out of town. We’re assuming it’s out and about in the wooded area,” he said.
The area to the east of Medford is marked by rural terrain, including scattered woodlands in the foothills and on Roxy Ann Peak.
Autumn plus the month of July usually are the peak times for bear sightings in populated areas, said Mathew Vargas, a wildlife biologist for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“This time of year, they’re looking for all the food they can find. They’re trying to put on weight for the winter,” he said.
Despite Southern Oregon’s relatively mild winters, Vargas said most bears in the area do hibernate. They tend to become inactive and rest in dens from mid-December to mid-April.
“We do have some that don’t hibernate. Those are usually chronically depredating bears that are feeding on trash, chickens or vineyards. They exploit those food sources all year,” Vargas said.
Residents can help keep bears wild and out of trouble by removing food sources.
“It’s important for people to keep things clean and tidy. Bears’ noses are incredible,” Vargas said.
He advised people to put their garbage containers out as close to pickup time as possible. At other times, store garbage containers in a locked shed or garage.
Clean up fallen fruit from trees and remove leftover fruit and vegetables from gardens. Feed pets inside and clean up any spilled birdseed or livestock feed, Vargas said.
Other recent bear sightings haven’t ended as peacefully.
In September, a 148-pound female bear attacked a woman in west Medford outside her home. The woman suffered deep bite wounds to her leg and scratches on her side. She was able to grab a wrought-iron chair to strike the bear, and her two dogs sprang into the fight to help.
The bear was hit by a car while running away and later shot by police.
In October, police killed a bear near Sacred Heart School in west Medford. Another bear died this month after being hit by a car on Interstate 5 near Ashland.
Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or valdous@rosebudmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous.