Forest Service issues bear-proof containers order at Lake Tahoe

All food and garbage not personally attended must be stored in a bear-proof container on U.S. Forest Service lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin starting with the new year.

An order was issued by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit takes effect on Jan. 1.

The Forest Order also requires the use of bear canisters (hard-sided bear-proof containers) for overnight visitors to the Desolation Wilderness and wildlife-resistant dumpsters and food lockers (bear boxes) provided at National Forest campgrounds.

“The new storage order allows hikers and day-use visitors to possess food or garbage provided they are within 100 feet of the items,” said Wildlife Biologist, Shay Zanetti. “Requiring proper food and garbage storage will help reduce the number of human-bear conflicts by preventing bears and other wildlife from accessing these items.”

Bears are attracted to anything edible or scented and the improper storage and disposal of human food and garbage is a leading cause of human-bear conflicts in the Tahoe Basin, according to the Forest Service. Bears that become accustomed to human food and garbage lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to the injury of a person or euthanasia of the bear. Feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal and violations can result in citations from law enforcement officers.

View the Food and Refuse Storage Order. Visit the following websites for helpful information and tips for keeping Tahoe bears wild: TahoeBears.org and BearWise.org.