Why are bears popping up on the valley floor? 

May 11, 2025 – Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials report that Sheriff's deputies were called to a home near Copper and Armstrong Avenues in Clovis on May 1 when a black bear was found near a tree.  A biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded and was able to successfully tranquilize the bear.  He was safely transported to Shaver Lake and released into the wild.

On May 9, an officer with the Selma Police Department saw a black bear running in the area of Dinuba Avenue and Wright Street.  As of this post, the bear has not been located.

According to the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), as young bears separate from their mothers, they seek new territories to make their homes.  However, they often run into older bears who have already occupied that space and chase off the younger ones.  As they roam away, they can sometimes "lose their bearings" and wind up quite far from the forest, in more urban areas.

If you see a bear in your neighborhood, it is best to contact local law enforcement.  Police or the sheriff’s department can coordinate a response with CDFW to safely remove the bear.

The best way to keep a bear away from your property is to eliminate all attractants like unsecured garbage and pet food.

View video here.

Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office