News Room

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Summer is here at Lake Tahoe and that means more visitors recreating in bear habitat, which increases the chance of encountering a bear – or a family of bears. Increased visitation also brings more temptations for bears to discover human food and garbage sources.

Bears are entering hyperphagia, or the time of year when they seek massive amounts of calories for the winter den cycle, and they will still be on the hunt for Kokanee salmon, seeds, berries, grubs, and other high-protein foods. Human food should not fall into this category.

Residents and visitors returning to the South Lake and West Shore areas of Lake Tahoe should be aware that bears have been seeking out human food sources during the evacuation and taking advantage of the lack of human presence. As you approach your residence, look and listen carefully for signs that a bear has been or is in your home. If a bear is in your home, call 911. Do not attempt to chase it out yourself. Your safety is your responsibility!