Bears make headaches for Patterson officials

PATTERSON — Pictures of black bears sighted locally and posted on Facebook appear to be a controversial issue, Mayor Rodney Grogan said Tuesday night at Patterson’s City Council meeting.
The Facebook postings of bears in Patterson are stirring up fear with some residents.
Another group of residents intentionally leave food out for bears, encouraging bears to return to residential areas.
Grogan mentioned seeing a picture of a mom and three cubs, which was posted on Facebook.
“It was a beautiful picture, but basically we need to know what our rights and responsibilities are,” Grogan said.
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Russo III asked Maria Davidson, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Catherine Siracusa, St. Mary Parish black bear conflict officer, to speak at the council meeting.
He said he wanted the public to be aware of the services being provided by their departments addressing black bear visitations.
Davidson came in but left early to deal with another bear problem that came up earlier in the day.
In her absence, Siracusa said Davidson was hoping to have some kind of town hall meeting about bears.
Siracusa has been working with the black bear conflict program for seven years.
A garbage can program is being implemented throughout Patterson.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed with the new cans,” Siracusa said. “Every resident will receive new bear-proof garbage cans provided by the garbage company.”
The contract requires the new trash pick-up company, Pelican Waste and Debris, to provide the bear-proof cans, which should be out by Nov. 1.
Residents will be asked to keep the cans.
If residents do not cooperate with the program, Siracusa is going to ask that something be done to address it.
Siracusa has talked with other organizations in areas experiencing similar black bear conflicts. She hopes to incorporate their ideas in Patterson.
“We’re moving forward and trying to be positive,” Siracusa said. “We’re trying everything possible to get people to work together.”

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com