Black Bears in the Tahoe area are now awake from their winter hibernation. They are out looking for food so make sure you keep your doors locked and your bear boxes closed. This little guy got into our Unofficial HQ a few weeks back and tore apart our kitchen. Last night he stop by again, just to make sure that we had locked the doors.
Here are some Black Bear facts from tahoewildbears.org
- The only species of bears in California and Nevada are black bears. However, they do range in color from blonde to black, with cinnamon brown being the most common color in both states.
- There are an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 black bears in California and 200 to 300 In Nevada.
- Black bears normally avoid humans. If encountered, always leave them an escape route.
- Males are much larger than females and can weigh up to 500 pounds, although average weight Is about 300 pounds.
- Black bears can sprint up to 35mph and they are strong swimmers and great tree climbers.
- A typical wild bear diet consists of berries, plants, nuts, roots, honey, honeycomb, insects, larvae, carrion, and small mammals.
- As winter approaches, bears will forage for food up to 20 hours a day, storing enough fat to sustain them through hibernation. Bears often hibernate in large hollow trees 40 to 60 feet off the ground, under rocks and in hollow logs.
- Bears that are accustomed to people can become too bold and lose their fear of humans. To avoid this behavior, do not let bears become habituated to human sources of food.
If you are having a bear emergency call in Lake Tahoe – (530) 525-PAWS (7297)
If you are getting attacked by a Black Bear call – 911.