Living With Bears

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Black bears share the Mono Basin with us. They have learned people are an easy source of food, whether it’s our garbage cans, dumpsters, garages, houses, vehicles, fruit trees, beehives, compost piles, bird feeders, … the list goes on. 

Bears are very smart and have an incredible sense of smell—nearly seven times better than a bloodhound. Once they discover human food, there’s no going back to tearing logs apart for grubs or eating berries. Our food is fast food, so easy to get, with high caloric reward.

When drawn to fruit trees or garbage, bears quickly find additional food options, like our cars and homes. They grow bolder with each break-in. Mothers teach their cubs, “This is how you do it!” And then we are all caught in a vicious cycle that takes years to break and often ends in the death of bears.

For the well-being of bears and people, we can collectively become more “bear aware” and change how we do things in small and simple ways. Acting sooner rather than later will make all the difference.

A few essential and simple steps to follow, day and night, when living here in bear country:

• Leave vehicles completely empty and clean at night. Remove all trash, wrappers, food scraps, sunscreen, and anything that smells. If storing bags, boxes, or backpacks cover and disguise so as not to tempt a bear to break in and investigate.

• Store household garbage in bear-proof containers or indoors until just before trash pick-up or dump day.

• Request a bear-proof trash container if you don’t have one or install a Bearier to safely store your garbage can outside your house.  

•  Harvest fruit as soon as possible and pick up fallen fruit.

•  Protect or remove other attractants including pet food, bird feeders, beehives, and compost bins.

•  Clean BBQ grills, smokers, and outdoor sinks after each use.

•  If you see bears in your neighborhood, let them know that this is your territory by standing your ground, yelling loudly with conviction, making noise, and chasing them away without getting too close. Most times bears will retreat. If bears don’t retreat, and you feel threatened, then back away. The key is to not let bears get any food reward or become comfortable foraging around people.

•  Let your neighbors know and share tips on how to avoid conflict. Working together, neighborhoods can reduce potential conflicts with bears.

• Report any bear conflict to our local Fish & Wildlife folks HERE. These reports go directly to local wildlife biologists who can help protect you and the bears.

For more information on living with wildlife, please visit: