Courtesy Keep Tahoe Bears Wild
In the summer months, both bears and humans are active in the Tahoe Basin, which means there is a lot to think about when living, visiting or recreating in the area this time of year.
It is not natural or healthy for bears to forage on human food or garbage. This can cause injury to claws, teeth and their digestive systems.
Food on barbecues and picnic tables brings curious bears into neighborhoods and campgrounds to investigate, making it important to remember proper food storage at all times. Any attractant left out is accessible to a bear and could result in a food reward, which brings the bear back for future visits and makes that bear think it is OK to approach humans for food.
Help with bear encounters
BEAR League 24-hour help | (530) 525-7297, savebears.org
California Department of Fish and Wildlife | (916) 358-2917, wildlife.ca.gov
California State Parks | (916) 358-1300
Immediate threat | 911
Nevada Department of Wildlife | (775) 688-2327
Wildlife Incident Reporting apps | wildlife-incidents.com
Keep food secure
Never leave any food unattended. If a bear approaches, yell at the bear to try to get it to leave before it is rewarded. If you are unable to make the bear leave, there are resources that can respond and help. On U.S. Forest Service property, an employee of the campground may be able to assist you in moving the bear along and securing attractants. Likewise on state park property, park rangers can assist. If you are in a residential area, call the BEAR League to help move the bear or 911 if it’s an emergency.
Clean grills after use
If you have used a barbecue, grease and food bits left on the grill could be a snack to a hungry bear. After you have finished cooking your own food, keep the grill fired up on high for about 10 minutes to burn off any leftovers to make it unattractive to a bear passing by.
Illegal to feed bears
It is not natural or healthy for bears to forage on human food or garbage. This can cause injury to claws, teeth and their digestive systems. Whether intentional or not, it is illegal to feed bears, so do your part to follow the law and not provide access to human food or garbage.
Secure trash
If the bear-proof trash container where you are is full, take your garbage home with you. Please don’t leave it next to the container; bears will get the food reward before the garbage is picked up.
Businesses should always keep Dumpsters locked, even during the day when employees may be accessing it frequently.
Campers, be aware that bears will approach at all times of the day. Never leave your food or garbage outside of the bear box, except while it’s in use and follow all campground rules regarding food storage. Store food, including pet food, drinks, toiletries, coolers, cleaned grills, cleaned dishes, cleaning products and all other scented items in the bear-resistant containers provided at campsites.
Beachgoers need to take all trash to a bear-resistant garbage container. If they are full, take the garbage with you.
Secure homes
It is important to make sure you close all windows when you are away from a house or asleep at night. Bears know when humans are active or present and will take advantage of those quiet times to enter through a window or door to access a kitchen. Likewise, it is wise to lock your doors. Some bears know how to open doors and locking them is the only way to keep them from entering a home.
Keep cars clean
Never leave groceries, animal feed, garbage or anything scented in vehicles. Be sure to always lock vehicles and close the windows. Keep in mind eating in the car leaves lingering food odors that attract bears.
Living and recreating in the Lake Tahoe Basin’s bear country is a year-round responsibility. Please do your part to help us keep our bears wild. | tahoebears.org
