BASS LAKE — Here in the foothills we appreciate our neighbors and, especially during the summer months and holidays like 4th of July, we want them to enjoy all of the fun activities available locally. But we have our limits.
When a good-sized bear began to saunter down the mountain approaching the crowd gathered to watch fireworks explode in the sky at Bass Lake — those limits were met and deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office responded with gentle and effective force.
Kristen Fry says the bear mosied through the parking lot at the Little Church in the Pines, and down the hill toward the people below.
“I ran to tell the deputies and they quickly spotted the bear in a dumpster behind Bass Lake Reality where people began taking pictures and one [person] started down the path right by it, not heeding my warning — until the deputy yelled to get back… and she also saw their guns drawn.”
Deputies first tried to run the bear back up the hill away from the crowds, Kristen recounts, even spotting from the church roof.
With a little encouragement in the form of a bean bag shot, the bear finally headed back up from whence it came.
“So much for its taste of barbecue,” Kristen laughs, “until it hits the trash later tonight. It made for quite a bit of excitement and we were very proud of our deputies and how they handled the situation.”
Meanwhile, thousands of humans turned out to see the spectacular show at Bass Lake, and no one was disappointed. Despite heavy traffic in the area, and all of the wildlife, no serious incidents were otherwise reported and the evening will be remembered as a beary good one, indeed.
Additional photos courtesy of Kristen Fry
MCSO
