Bears in Valley Springs?

Although Fish and Game employees have
insisted bears don't eat bird seed, we know
different. This clever fellow figured a
way to get into this feeder. Most people
take as many pictures as they can when
a bear makes a visit to their property.

  Don't anyone tell Cowboy Tyrone or his 4 posse members, but the Calaveras Sheriff's Office has advised the Fish and Game that a bear has been seen in the area of Friedman Way in Valley Springs. Another caller said they saw two bears on DaLee Way.
   The public needs to know that once a citizen calls to report bear, that Fish and Game has permission to get their guns and kill them. Some people, wisely,  fear Fish and Game more than the bears

   It is not necessary to panic but be cautious, especially at night, as they are looking for food and water. Feed your pets indoors and do not store garbage unless you want a visit from the large furry kind of creature.

   These are black bears, and are normally terrified of people unless they have cubs. Do not run if you see one, as they tend to think like dogs, and can chase you. You cannot outrun them. Usually a loud noise will scare them off!

   Cowboy Tyrone, his horse Mare-eeta and the posse are famous for getting a bunch of hounds, chasing a bear til they tree it and then shooting it down.  As horrible as this seems, we have heard all five speak of this publicly, that it is a good thing.

   Fortunately, our legislature and governor thought otherwise and have banned the practice, beginning on Jan. 1, 2013.