What About the Bears?

For the best and most up to date information on American Black Bears in the Sierra, visit Sierrawildbear.gov brought to you by the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group.

American black bears live throughout the Sierra Nevada. Though most common in the 3,000 to 7,000 foot elevations (900 to 2100 meters) where their natural foods are abundant, in recent decades their occurrence at higher elevations has increased.

Whether you’re backpacking, climbing, horseback riding, or just day hiking, if you’re headed for the Sierra these breathtaking animals are going to affect your visit. There are number of things to keep in mind when visiting bear country, one of the most important being how to store your food.

The “Bear” Essentials

• Keep a clean camp (and car), and never leave trash or food in the open and unattended.

• Learn about area-specific food storage instructions and/or regulations (SierraWildBear.gov maintains a list of approved bear containers.

• Ask other campers or local employees about recent bear activity.

• Learn all you can about black bears and your safety before your trip by contacting the land manager in the area you plan to visit.

Beyond these basic rules, here are some other guidelines that apply in most Sierra Nevada Wilderness Areas:

• No matter how well you do it, hanging your food in a tree when in the backcountry is rarely effective in the Sierra Nevada. In many areas food-hangs are no longer an acceptable food storage method as bears have learned to reach even the most ideally hung food. Food storage containers (“bear cans”) are the most effective and conventient option for wilderness trips.
• Plan your meals with food storage in mind; don’t get caught without a proper way to store your food. Check out SierraWildBear.gov for tips on how to pack your bear can efficiently.

• Whenever possible remove all scented items from your car and place them in a bear proof locker. It’s not uncommon for bears to break open car doors and windows to reach even the smallest scented item left behind.

• If you do encounter a bear, do your best to scare it away and prevent it from getting food from your campsite. Always be mindful of female bears with cubs, and if you see a bear going about its own business in the wild observe it from a respectful distance. For more on respecting animals in wild places visit Leave No Trace

• Climbers included: always avoid leaving food improperly stored at the base of routes. Either bring your food with you up the wall, or plan ahead and bring a storage container to store it at the base.