Tahoe Residents Urged to Follow BearWise Tips as Black Bears Enter “Hyperphagia” Feeding Frenzy

With winter just around the corner, black bears in the Tahoe Basin are entering hyperphagia, a feeding frenzy to build fat reserves for the winter. During this phase, bears consume up to 24,000 calories a day, often traveling beyond their typical range in search of food. Unfortunately, this can lead them into residential areas if garbage, pet food, or bird feeders aren’t secured.

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is urging residents to follow BearWise principles to help keep bears wild. Essential steps include using bear-resistant garbage containers, securely storing trash indoors if containers aren’t bear-proof, and removing bird feeders and pet food from outside areas. With South Lake Tahoe’s rollout of a new three-cart collection system, it’s more critical than ever to prevent bears from accessing household food sources.

BearWise also offers practical tips to reduce the chances of attracting bears:

• Garbage Pickup: Place trash and recycling at the curb on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• Rinse Containers: Clean cans, bottles, and takeout boxes to eliminate food odors.
• Freeze Smelly Items: Freeze scraps that could smell and add them to the garbage the morning of pickup.
• Store Securely: If you don’t have a bear-resistant container, store trash indoors until pickup day.

To report bear conflicts in California, call CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or use the online Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system. In Nevada, call NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327). In emergencies, contact your local sheriff’s department or dial 911.

Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild at BearWise.org.