2) give bears a break
Native Tahoe Black Bears have lived in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (that includes the Tahoe watershed), for millions of years. The indigenous Washoe people did not hunt these Bears, nor build homes in areas where they had dens, so Tahoe bears are not so afraid of people - but that is changing.
Modern culture has moved into Tahoe's wildlife native habitat; marsh, meadows, forest and up against creeks (wildlife navigational corridors). Many of our 16M+ annual visitors are surprised to see a bear; move thru 'their yard', cross the hwy, fish in a creek or swim in the Lake. Even some new residents are not aware Tahoe is home to numerous species, who now require protection as human development redefines their habitat. Human actions have put Tahoe wildlife, especially Bears under constant threat of being killed, wounded, sick (from eating our garbage) or permanently traumatized.
But with a small effort of mindfulness...YOU can help!
1. Drive slow, as wildlife spontaneously cross streets and highway without warning
2. Never leave food or trash unattended so bears will forage their native food that is in abundance in the basin
3. Show respect: If you see a bear move away and give them the right-of-way and space
4. Recognize we have a People Problem not a Bear problem
5. Do not hunt, trap, harass or feed bears anywhere in the watershed of Sierra range
6. If you see bears fishing in the creek or foraging in the forest or meadow... back away, give them space, (do not move in for a photo).
As more wildlife habitat is consumed with development and recreation, wildlife have to work harder to survive. The best way to show you care to protect them is with mindful respect and consideration.
Modern culture has moved into Tahoe's wildlife native habitat; marsh, meadows, forest and up against creeks (wildlife navigational corridors). Many of our 16M+ annual visitors are surprised to see a bear; move thru 'their yard', cross the hwy, fish in a creek or swim in the Lake. Even some new residents are not aware Tahoe is home to numerous species, who now require protection as human development redefines their habitat. Human actions have put Tahoe wildlife, especially Bears under constant threat of being killed, wounded, sick (from eating our garbage) or permanently traumatized.
But with a small effort of mindfulness...YOU can help!
1. Drive slow, as wildlife spontaneously cross streets and highway without warning
2. Never leave food or trash unattended so bears will forage their native food that is in abundance in the basin
3. Show respect: If you see a bear move away and give them the right-of-way and space
4. Recognize we have a People Problem not a Bear problem
5. Do not hunt, trap, harass or feed bears anywhere in the watershed of Sierra range
6. If you see bears fishing in the creek or foraging in the forest or meadow... back away, give them space, (do not move in for a photo).
As more wildlife habitat is consumed with development and recreation, wildlife have to work harder to survive. The best way to show you care to protect them is with mindful respect and consideration.
