Bears Are Waking Up Around Lake Tahoe and Looking for a Meal

Black bears across the Lake Tahoe Basin are out of their dens and on the move, and wildlife officials say this spring could bring more human encounters than usual.

Males and females without cubs are already foraging on grasses and early plants around the region. But with Tahoe snowpack sitting at only 24% of the April average, natural food sources like berries, nuts and seeds may not produce the way they normally do this year. That could send bears looking for easier meals in neighborhoods, campgrounds and parking lots.

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team, a partnership between California and Nevada wildlife agencies, issued a reminder this week urging residents and visitors to lock up trash, pet food, coolers and anything with a scent. Bears that get comfortable eating human food face a much higher risk of being hit by vehicles or needing to be put down.

When natural food runs short, vehicle collisions involving bears have historically doubled or even tripled in the basin.

Visitors heading into the backcountry should know that bear canisters are required in Desolation Wilderness, and anyone who spots a bear that appears sick or injured should contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 916-358-2917 rather than approaching the animal.

For more tips on living and recreating in bear country, visit TahoeBears.org.