Bear boom hits Sierra Madre, not all locals are warm and fuzzy about it

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Encounters with black bears are on the rise in Sierra Madre, and while they are rarely aggressive, residents say they’re getting bolder about entering homes and yards. Photo by Shutterstock.

In sleepy Sierra Madre, an uptick in bears has spurred the city to declare the animal a “public safety threat.” But locals and officials aren’t sure how to handle the ursine explosion.

Henry Hoke’s latest novel, “Open Throat,” was inspired by LA’s own big cat P-22 and Nick Cave’s song “Hollywood.” It’s told from the perspective of a mountain lion.

Sick sea lions have washed up on beaches due to a toxic algae bloom. San Pedro’s Marine Mammal Care Center is keeping visitors out to make space to nurse these animals back to health.