Wild Neighbor grew from a simple idea: helping people feel more prepared, informed, and connected to the wild around their home. During my time as a state wildlife manager and biologist, I worked hands on with black bears and closely with communities experiencing human-bear conflict in the foothills of Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest.

Hi, I’m Jessica West - but you can call me Jess! I’m a born and raised Southern Californian, and I’ve spent the last 20 years working at the intersection of wildlife, people, and the landscapes we share across California. Black bears have long been at the heart of my work and passion.

Meet The Director & Human-Bear Conflict Specialist

Woman in outdoor gear holding a warning sign about electric bear fencing, next to electrical equipment on the side of a house.
A person wearing sunglasses and a black face mask crouches in a forest with a large dog lying on a blue and green blanket on the ground. The person has a bandana around their neck and a cap. Hiking gear and a backpack are visible on the ground nearby.

These experiences shaped my belief that the best conflict prevention for bears is proactive — practical prevention, effective deterrents, and targeted education that helps people and bears share the landscape safely. My goal is to support communities with clear communication and practical problem-solving; empowering people with the knowledge and tools that will help us to keep bears wild and properties safe across Southern California!

A woman standing behind a table at an outdoor event under a green canopy, with various informational materials, signs, and small decorations on the table. Behind her are trees, a red food truck, and a quiet street with parked cars.
A woman wearing a black face mask, sunglasses on her cap, and gloves holding a small puppy in an outdoor setting with rocks and dirt.

Key Qualifications & Black Bear Experience:

  • Environmental Scientist & Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist (2022-2026): Inspected bear property damage and implemented aversive conditioning (hazing) and non-lethal deterrent strategies. Captured bears for GPS collaring and DNA sampling for CDFW large-mammal studies.

  • Yosemite Bear Management Intern (2014): Managed backcountry and front country bear-human interactions and food storage enforcement in Yosemite National Park.

  • Humboldt State University (2012-2015): B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Management.

  • Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program (2009-2011): Student zookeeper at America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College with emphasis in wildlife behavior.

  • Certified Expertise: Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist Academy (CDFW), Level 2 CyberTracker Wildlife Tracker.

“Living with Bears” presentation for the community of Topanga