Expect more Tahoe bear activity in aftermath of Caldor Fire. Here’s how to prepare

Officials are warning of increased bear activity in the Lake Tahoe area this spring, saying the aftermath of the Caldor Fire could have changed behaviors in the animal.

The Lake Tahoe Interagency Bear Team warned community members to prepare and “keep Tahoe bears wild” in a Tuesday news release.

The team, which is a partnership between national, state, local and Nevada’s wildlife, parks and forest services, said in its announcement that there may be “increased bear activity,” as bears in the Lake Tahoe Basin are expected to come out of their winter dens.

This comes after 2021’s Caldor Fire blazed through the Tahoe Basin and pushed bears into nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

“During the evacuation last fall, when streets and homes were empty and no one was around to secure houses, vehicles, dumpsters, or other attractants, habituated bears in the Tahoe Basin — meaning those bears already comfortable around people or those bears that look to people, their homes, and cars for food — were left to roam neighborhoods freely with little resistance,” the agency wrote.

According to the Bear Team, this could have a lasting effect on the mammal’s behavior in coming seasons because they become accustomed to breaking into houses and vehicles, with no consequences, for food rewards.

“For this reason, it’s extremely important to be proactive in preventing bad habits from forming in the first place,” the team said.

As the bears are coming out of hibernation, the team is asking communities and businesses to prepare and prevent this behavior by locking dumpsters and using bear-resistant trash cans.

It’s also advised to remove things that attract bears, such as bird feeders, and avoid giving food to bears. With the latter, you’ll avoid creating a habit and getting penalized, since feeding bears is illegal in California.

If you see a bear, be calm and back away while facing it, according to TahoeBears.org. If it approaches you, stay put and make yourself appear bigger by raising your arms or opening your jacket wide.

Every bear encounter varies, according to the online resource guide, so while there’s no specific, guaranteed strategy, it’s best to follow basic safety rules to avoid conflict.