Hungry Bears Are Waking Up in Tahoe—Help Keep Them Wild and Safe

As winter melts away in the Lake Tahoe region, bears are emerging from hibernation and on the hunt for food. After months in dens, their body mass has decreased, and they are hungry—often heading to lower elevations in search of grasses and plants. Unfortunately, this search sometimes leads them into neighborhoods.

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) reminds residents and visitors to stay vigilant about cleaning up and securing bear attractants. Bears can open unlocked car doors and enter homes in search of food—even small items like a stick of gum can lure them in. Secure trash, remove food from vehicles, and lock windows and doors on homes and cars to help keep Tahoe bears wild.

Feeding on human garbage not only harms bears’ health but also disrupts their natural role in the ecosystem. Bears spread seeds, transport pollen, clean up winter carrion, and control insects. Eating trash damages their teeth, digestive systems, and can even lead to death. Instead of leaving behind nutrient-rich scat, they leave foil, plastic, and other harmful waste.

If you see a bear that appears sick or orphaned, contact wildlife professionals at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Remember: Tahoe is bear country. Practicing good stewardship ensures a healthy balance for both wildlife and people. For more info, visit tahoebears.org or bearwise.org.