Bently Heritage Estate Distillery: Catching the Spirit of the High Sierra in a Bottle
Just as the depths of the Lake of the Sky itself... Read Article
Spring in Tahoe … there’s nothing like it. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming – and our bear friends are coming out of hibernation and back into the wild, sometimes even into local parks, campsites and our own backyards!
Did you know that although the grizzly bear is California’s official state animal, it hasn’t been seen in the wild since the 1920s? Today, black bears roam the Lake Tahoe Basin and are a vital part of our delicate and diverse ecosystem.
Bears are naturally curious, intelligent and opportunistic. They have a strong sense of smell and will eat practically anything. They can climb trees, go into tents and open unlocked doors, even car doors! They have been known to be unwelcome guests at beach picnics, grocery stores and residential homes. They are also known for their majestic beauty and are a favorite subject of many wildlife photographers (from afar).
With climate change and recent fires driving bears out of their natural habitat, there has been an increase in bear encounters in neighborhoods and local parks. Whether you are a long-time local or first-time visitor, it’s crucial to understand how to co-exist with our bear neighbors and to defend yourself should the worst-case scenario occur.
Below, I have listed various valuable tips to keep you safe and to help keep our beloved bears wild.
The black bear is an iconic resident in the Sierras. Photo Credit: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Stay Bear Aware
Being bear aware always starts with education and respect, as most people’s instinctive approach to bears is based on curiosity or fear. To safely co-exist with our bear neighbors, we need to understand how important they are to our ecosystem, how they operate and what we can do to not disturb them in their habitat. There are a variety of in-depth resources online to help you learn more about bears and safety tips and procedures, such as Tahoe Bears and the U.S. Forest Service.
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, whether you are on a trail in the wilderness or in your own backyard, especially after dusk when bears are the most active. If you are on a trail, whether alone or in a group, it’s important to not only look out for bears, but also to make your presence known. You can do this by making a respectful amount of noise, such as talking or using bear bells.
It’s also important to know how to look for signs of bears that might be nearby. Footprints with claw marks or fresh scat are signs that a bear has visited your vicinity.
If you do encounter a bear, never run. Stay calm and back away slowly while facing the bear. You never want to make any sudden movements or turn your back on the bear, as those actions could trigger an instinctive response to chase or attack you. Stand tall, make noise and wave any objects you might have. It is advised that you have bear spray just in case, as that can be a great defense mechanism. Also, be aware of any sticks or rocks nearby to use for self-defense should the worst case occur.
It’s also important to share your knowledge with others you might be hiking or recreating with to ensure you are aligned on protocols and emergency procedures.
Bear-Proof Your Campsite or Home
Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are known to eat almost anything they find, including leftover scraps. Whether you are setting up camp on a trail in the backcountry or at your own house, it’s important to ensure that you are mindful about your habits regarding food storage, waste disposal and safety procedures.
In the wilderness, you are way more likely to have encounters with bears, so it’s important to stay extra vigilant, especially after dusk when they are the most active and on the hunt for food. Make sure that you stay up to date on each campsite’s protocols for bear safety procedures. In general, there will be nearby bear canisters where you can store your food. You never want to leave any food in your tent or out in the open. Bears have been known to go into tents to get food. Even though I always store my food properly, I still always have bear spray available and accessible when I am in my tent, just to give myself an extra level of defense.
If you are at home or in nearby recreation areas, it is important to follow the same procedures. Never feed the bears. Never leave food out in the open or in your car. Never leave anything unattended. Bears have been seen eating from picnic baskets at the beach and even opening car doors!
At home, dispose of your garbage in bear-proof garbage cans or dumpsters. Pet food can also attract bears, so follow the same rules there. And always keep your dog on a leash when walking around the neighborhood or trails!
Report Problematic Bear Sightings
While not every bear sighting is classified as an emergency, especially in the wild, it’s important to report bear sightings that could be problematic. These could be encounters in a neighborhood or local park or dangerous encounters in the wild or near a campsite.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has a hotline and links to contact to report bear sightings in the region.
I hope these tips have helped you get prepared for the upcoming warm-weather season of recreation, exploration and enjoyment in the Tahoe-Truckee region. By staying educated, proactive and prepared, we can coexist responsibly with the wildlife here and ensure safety and sustainability for all.
Sources and Resources
www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/tahoe/home/?cid=FSEPRD581029
newyorker.com/magazine/2024/12/02/lake-tahoes-bear-boom
wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fact-check-debunking-misinformation-about-lake-tahoes-black-bears
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
