Bears that rely on human food and garbage face a higher risk of mortality. Responsibly securing these attractants is the best way to deter bears from urban areas. | JT Humprey, Tahoe Interagency Bear Team

As snow melts across the Lake Tahoe region, black bears have emerged from their dens and are searching for food, signaling the start of a busy spring season for wildlife.

With Lake Tahoe snowpack at just 24 percent of the April average and warm temperatures prematurely melting snow, there is likely to be a shortened growing season with average or below average food availability, which will increase bear interactions at homes and businesses, according to a press release from the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team.

Studies show that bears living near urban areas often turn to human-related food sources when natural foods are scarce, according to the release. 

Bears that rely on human-provided food also face a higher risk of mortality. In years with poor natural food availability, reported vehicle collisions involving bears have been shown to double or even triple. As bears travel greater distances in search of food, they are more likely to encounter vehicles and unsecured attractants.

Male and female bears without cubs are already active, feeding on early grasses and plants. Warmer-than-average temperatures and low snowpack, however, could reduce the availability of natural food sources later this year.

“What puts bears at greatest risk isn’t a lack of natural food, it’s access to ours. Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and people,” explains Bear Management Specialist, Sarinah Simons with California State Parks, in the press release. “If we want healthy bears on the landscape, we need to give them the space to stay wild.”  

How to help

Residents and visitors can help reduce these risks by securing potential attractants and following the BearWise Six At-Home Basics:

1. Never feed or approach bears.
2. Secure food, garbage and recycling. 
3. Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
4. Never leave pet food outdoors.
5. Clean and store grills and smokers.
6. Alert neighbors to bear activity. 

Secure garbage

Properly securing garbage is one of the most effective ways to prevent bear conflicts. Food and trash should never be left in vehicles, and vehicle doors and windows should remain closed and locked.

Remove bird feeders

Bird feeders should be removed during bear season. A single pound of black oil sunflower seeds contains approximately 2,500 calories, making it a high-reward food source for bears. 

Alternative methods for attracting birds without attracting bears are available through BearWise resources. See the BearWise bulletin on Attracting Birds, Not Bears.

Secure homes, buildings

Property owners can also take steps to secure buildings. Keeping doors and windows locked can help prevent bears from entering structures. For wooden garage doors, electric deterrents such as wiring or mats may help prevent damage. The Team recommends using the BearWise Host Set to display helpful information for guests.

Call the Experts 

Spring is also the time of year residents or visitors may see a bear they believe looks unhealthy, sick, or orphaned. Bear health concerns should be reported to the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team’s wildlife professionals at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Nevada Department of Wildlife. These agencies have the training, expertise and veterinary resources to assess the bear’s condition and transport it for care, if needed. 

For more great tips about living responsibly with bears, visit tahoebears.org and bearwise.org.

Report human-bear conflicts:

• In California, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife  at 916-358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir.
• Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to their public dispatch at 916-358-1300.
• In Nevada, contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
• If the issue is an immediate threat, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.