Coexisting in Bear Country

The first neighborhood meeting I attended was held in Fincas on September 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the private community pavilion. There were only six of us, but it was important to me because it was my first neighborhood meeting as part of the Chipinque team. At first I felt unsure, not knowing what to expect or how people would respond.

The meeting began with the “Las Fincas” presentation, and I quickly realized that residents were interested. They listened carefully to the story of Osiris, a bear that moved increasingly close to urban areas in search of food and eventually became ill from eating garbage. As the story unfolded, the atmosphere changed: they stopped being passive listeners and began reflecting on what was happening around their own homes.

What struck me most was that, although the group was small, the concern was real. Residents explained that bears and other animals were no longer occasional visitors but a constant presence. I understood why these spaces are needed: people want to know what is happening and, above all, what they can do.

We then held the “Mirror Tree” activity, which opened the conversation naturally. Questions and comments emerged about everyday practices that can attract wildlife without our noticing, such as exposed garbage or food scraps in gardens. We also discussed simple changes that can make a difference when adopted collectively.

To close, we presented the Response Traffic Light, explaining why prevention is the most important step and how to respond responsibly to a sighting. The meeting ended positively, with the sense that although the problem exists, there are clear actions that can reduce risk.

I left that first meeting with one clear idea: when a space for dialogue is created, people listen, ask questions, and become involved. Although it was a small group, it showed that there is genuine interest in improving coexistence with wildlife.

The Cordillera Residencial session was held on September 25 at Parque Rocosos with 12 participants. The community's needs were different, and the main dynamic was an open debate about whether relocating Osiris had been the right decision.

From that conversation, residents began focusing on prevention and communication. They proposed signs or infographics with clear instructions for a sighting, as well as whistles and air horns that the neighborhood board could provide so residents would feel safer.

During the session, a very large dog that had escaped from a nearby house suddenly joined the gathering. The surprise and laughter relaxed the atmosphere and reinforced the discussion about caring for pets in areas close to wildlife habitat.

The neighborhood meeting at Nave Tampiquito was different from the start. It took place on November 5, 2025, and five men attended. Several said they visit the reserve regularly, which was evident in their enthusiasm and in the questions that arose almost immediately.

Their interest was clear from the beginning: they wanted to know what to do if they saw a black bear—not only in theory, but in real situations. What should I do if I encounter one while walking through the reserve? What if I am with my family? How can I respond without putting myself at risk?

During the conversation, I was struck by the surprise some participants expressed when they learned about the diversity of animals in the reserve. For several of them, it was a reminder that the bear is not the only species present and that the way we move and behave in these spaces matters.

One participant said he has daughters and was concerned about knowing how to drive a bear away safely if necessary. The question shifted the tone because it made clear that this was not merely curiosity, but concern for family safety. Another participant shared that his mother-in-law lives in Olinalá, next to the reserve, where bears also commonly approach homes.

We discussed proper waste management, aversive methods, and the “Double A: move Away and drive the bear Away,” answering specific questions and clarifying which actions are safe and which are not. It was a practical conversation centered on what to do and what to avoid.

I left with the sense that interest grows when information connects with real experience. It was a small but highly engaged group that wanted to understand and respond better to wildlife.

The Lomas de Mederos neighborhood meeting was the largest of all the sessions, with 24 participants. It was held at 6:00 p.m. in Lomas Mederos park, and from the start the atmosphere was marked by residents' concern and nervousness.

Participants explained that bear presence in the neighborhood had become increasingly frequent. One of the main factors identified was a trash container near a drainage channel, which makes it easier for animals to move toward homes. Residents felt the problem had intensified in recent months.

Another recurring concern was pet safety, especially dogs that had chased bears on several occasions, creating risk for both animals and for people trying to intervene. Residents also worried about children who regularly play in the park, increasing the feeling of vulnerability around a possible wildlife encounter.

For me, this meeting was a different experience. Because it was a large group composed mainly of men, the conversation was more direct and focused on concrete risk scenarios. Questions centered on what to do in the moment and how to prevent incidents within the neighborhood.

The meeting allowed residents to voice concerns, share experiences, and reflect on proper waste management and community organization. It closed with the idea that beyond concern, collective action is necessary to reduce risk and improve coexistence with wildlife.