FAMILY DAY EVENT AND VISIT FROM LITTLE BEAR

The Friends of Lopez Lake and San Luis Obispo County Parks will be hosting the 2^nd Annual

Family Day at the Lake on Saturday, September 18, 2004, from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. The day use entry fee for vehicles will be ½ price ($3.00 per vehicle) for this event. Free half hour boat tours and hay rides will be offered on a first come, first served basis. The event will include a fishing clinic from 9-1 p.m where families can receive fishing instruction and participate in a big fish derby. Other activities include a nature hike with a park naturalist and a display of the parks interpretive programs.

In addition, a fundraiser will be taking place for Little Bear the orphaned black bear cub that was found behind Lopez Lake in July. A barbeque and raffle will be held with all proceeds going towards construction of a habitat enclosure and continued care for Little Bear.

The California Department of Fish and Game has determined that she should not be returned to the wild, as she has been imprinted through her contact with humans, and would likely never be able to survive without relying on some sort of human contact as a food resource.

Little Bear is being cared for at Wild Haven, a Wildlife Sanctuary for endangered and indigenous wild animals that is operated by the San Bernardino Mountains Wildlife Society as a not-for-profit corporation. The facility, created in May of 1994, consists of a medical facility, a wildlife care center and wildlife education center.

Last years fires in San Bernardino County, destroyed most of Wild Haven’s facility. Damage to structures and facilities were estimated at over $750,000. The group is in its first stages of rebuilding, and they hope to able to construct a new habitat enclosure for Little Bear and Quincy, Wild Haven’s adult black bear.

Little Bear will be making a special visit to Lopez Lake during Family Day, and visitors will be able to get a glimpse of this special animal.

Diane Dragatto-Williams, the director of Wild Haven has advised that Little Bear is making excellent progress. She has doubled in weight, from 16 to 34 pounds, and is eating very well.

The bear’s diet consists primarily of fruits and vegetables. Her favorite is watermelon, notes Williams. She also eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before bed every night.

It is amazing to watch a baby bear, said Williams, the way they eat, the way they clean themselves and the way they look at you is so human-like-it’s just a joy to watch.

Lopez Lake Park Ranger Kristin Brewster has mixed emotions about the tiny bear that was handed over to her that evening in July. I truly wish that she could be released, but I remember seeing how helpless she was that night, and I know that she would not have survived much longer on her own. At least here she has a chance to survive and will be cared for in a natural environment.

WHAT: FAMILY DAY AT THE LAKE AND FUND RAISER FOR LITTLE BEAR

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2004

WHERE: LOPEZ LAKE RECREATION AREA, for more info call 805-788-2381.

Donations for Little Bear can be made c/o The Friends of Lopez Lake

6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420

Lopez Recreation Area- 6800 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 788-2381