Be Bear Aware

Be Bear Aware - A Visitor's Guide 

A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear 

Bears are in trouble because of people. 

For yours and the bears safety, the park has strict regulations in place.

There is zero tolerance for non-compliance. 

Bear in Garbage

Store food, scented items, and garbage in bear-resistant storage lockers when not actively being used.
Always properly close food storage lockers even when they are empty. 
Discard any food that cannot be stored in bear-resistant lockers.
Do not eat or drink in your tent, and do not sleep in clothing you have worn while cooking. 
Dispose of trash in bear-resistant dumpsters and make sure it is properly secured.

Failure to follow these rules is a violation of Title 14 CCR 4323(b), and may result in confiscation of property, ejection from the park, and a $1000 fine. 

Black Bear in the Forest

Black Bear Facts

  • Adults weigh between 100 to 400 pounds and are four to six feet tall from nose to tail. A healthy bear runs up to 30 miles per hour for short distances.
  • Black bears are omnivorous, opportunistic eaters. Eating is their favorite hobby. A bear's diet consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honey, insects, carrion, and small mammals.
  • Black bears are great at climbing and swimming. They have a fantastic sense of smell - they can smell 100 times better than you!
  • Not all black bears are black! They come in a variety of colors like cinammon and blonde.
  • Black bears love to eat and quickly become addicted to human food and garbage. Bears can become destructive and agressive when this happens. This behavior is dangerous and may lead to a bear being killed.  

What should you do if you encounter a bear?

In the campground: Do not run. Do not make aggressive moves toward the bear. Stand tall and make noise to scare the bear away. Loudly bang pots and pans together and shout, Go, Bear, Go!

In the woods: This is the bear's home. Respect that and do not run. Pick up small children. Make yourself appear as large as possible. Stay calm and quiet, and slowly back away. If the bear approaches you, make noise and yell, Go, Bear, Go! 

Never approach a bear! 

 

Examples of scented food:

Bear Resting on Log

  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Pet Food
  • Perfume
  • Deodorant
  • Cosmetics
  • Sunscreen
  • Hair Products
  • Bug Repellent
  • Grease 
  • Soap
  • Wipes
  • First Aide Items
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip Balm
  • Essential Oils
  • Medications
  • Vitamins
  • Lotion
  • Toothpaste