As autumn sets in, black bears around Lake Tahoe are entering a feeding frenzy known as “hyperphagia,” a temporary state where they consume up to 24,000 calories a day. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reports that this intense eating helps bears build the fat reserves needed to survive the winter. During this period, bears forage almost nonstop, even venturing outside their usual home ranges in search of food.
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is urging residents to take precautions to avoid attracting these calorie-hungry bears into neighborhoods. By securing food, garbage, and recycling, people can help keep the bears wild and safe. Proper storage is especially critical as South Lake Tahoe rolls out a new semiautomated three-cart collection system, making it essential to follow BearWise principles.
BearWise tips to prevent bear encounters include:
- Only place garbage and recycling on the curb the morning of pickup, never the night before.
- Rinse food containers to eliminate odors.
- Compact trash to save space and reduce exposure.
- Freeze smelly items until pickup day.
- Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or keep it locked up in a sturdy building.
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