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ENVIRONMENT Ashland man comes home, finds bear inside Comment By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted May. 17, 2016 at 4:46 PM Updated May 19, 2016 at 1:17 PM By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted May. 17, 2016 at 4:46 PM Updated May 19, 2016 at 1:17 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Urban bears: Residents fear bruins too used to humans, endangering both... • Hanging out by Lithia Park • Lost in Suburbia: The big, bad bear of the ‘burbs • Officials warn of bear in Lithia Park • Bear Cub in Rite Aid » Social News An Ashland man came home and found a black bear inside his house last week, the city of Ashland reported Tuesday. Tom Stammers, who lives on Orchard Street above Hald Strawberry Park on the west edge of Ashland, found the bear in his home on Wednesday, May 11, according to an Ashland police report. The bear had entered through an open door and ended up leaving on its own without incident, according to the report. Stammers, however, who had not responded to earlier calls, said in a phone call to the Tidings after publication that he didn't leave the door open, but rather the bear broke through the screen in the kitchen window. Spring tends to have more bear sightings, according to Deputy Chief of Police Warren Hensman. “It is not uncommon to get bear calls, but it is rare that the bear actually makes it into the home,” he said. Bears are particularly active in areas of Ashland near creek drainages, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). ODFW advises residents to keep garbage, pet food and barbecues secure and to clean up fruit trees and compost piles to avoid attracting bears. Recology Ashland Sanitary offers bear-proof garbage cans as an optional service. "Fortunately, no one was harmed," Ashland Mayor John Stromberg said in a statement released by the city. "However, precautions are definitely in order, both for our own safety and because the bears can be unintentionally lured into being euthanized by careless or unaware human behavior and habits." Once a bear understands that it can access food from a place, it will return, said Stromberg. The sad part is that removing a dangerous creature from a residential area sometimes requires it to be tranquilized and euthanized, he added. “We’re trying to protect the bears, and in trying to protect the bears, we protect ourselves,” said Stromberg. ODFW also offers the following advice if you encounter a bear: • Never approach a bear at any time for any reason. If you see bear cubs, leave the area. • Give any bear you encounter a way to escape. If you are on a trail, step off the trail and slowly back away. • Stay calm. Do not run or make sudden movements. Face the bear and slowly back away. • Do not make eye contact with the bear. • Don't run! It may encourage the bear to chase you. • Never feed wildlife. Report aggressive animals and sightings in residential areas to the Oregon State Police or the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 541-826-8778. May 20: This story has been updated with the resident's explanation of how the bear entered the house. Email Tidings intern Caitlin Fowlkes at [email protected]. By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Caitlin Fowlkes For the Tidings Posted May. 17, 2016 at 4:46 PM Updated May 19, 2016 at 1:17 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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