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

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!

“Effective conflict prevention begins with understanding — of bear behavior, human needs, and the habitats that we share.”
— Jessica West

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