ASHLAND, Ore. — Early Sunday morning, Ashland resident Tom Baker had a startling encounter when he spotted a bear and its cub rummaging through his trash cans. The sighting, which took place around his property, left Baker in awe of the animals’ size.
“I was shocked by the size of the bear,” Baker said. “Standing next to my car, it was enormous—almost at the top line of my car. When I saw the cub, I thought, ‘That’s almost 150 pounds, and this one is at least 350 or more.'”
This recent sighting marks the third reported instance of wildlife in Ashland this month, highlighting the increasing frequency of such encounters. On March 4, a bear was seen wandering through a yard in north Ashland, while a cougar was spotted near Liberty Street and Beach Street on March 12.
Baker, however, took the sighting in stride, offering a practical perspective on living in the Oregon wilderness. “This is Oregon; we live in the middle of the forest,” he said. “You enjoy every minute of it. Enjoy all the animals that come out day or night. Just, know where you’re at. Know your place.”
Local officials encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any sightings of potentially dangerous wildlife. According to the City of Ashland’s wildlife reporter, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and the Ashland Police Department (APD) are the proper authorities to contact when such encounters occur. Residents can reach the ODFW at (503) 947-6000 or the APD at (541) 488-2211, or APD’s non-emergency dispatch at (541) 776-7206.
As wildlife sightings continue to rise, it is essential for residents to remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate action to ensure both their safety and the well-being of the animals that inhabit the area.