LA CRESCENTA — Summer heat and charred hillsides have prompted the tell-tale signs of wildlife coming down into urban neighborhoods for respite and food.
Bears, bobcats, deer and coyotes have been spotted recently in backyards and on neighborhood streets as much of their habitat recovers from the massive Station fire and subsequent mud flows.
Black bears have been spotted roaming the Briggs Terrace neighborhood, said Los Angeles County Sherriff's Lt. Angela Shepard.
The bears have been wreaking havoc on gardens, and leaving piles of dung behind.
The bear sightings have prompted the Crescenta Valley Town Council to issue an advisory to residents warning them to refrain from feeding the animals and to keep trash cans secured.
Earlier this week, Timberlake Drive resident Jerry Sherman spotted two bobcats in a shaded spot in his backyard.
"I like the outdoors, so it wasn't scary for me," he said.
The bobcats appeared healthy and plump, he said, unlike the skinnier coyotes he has seen in the neighborhood.
