MAMMOTH, California – You may have heard the term “a fed bear is a dead bear” in the past, but what exactly does that mean? It’s not that human food will necessarily kill a bear, it’s that feeding a bear will change its behavior, potentially leading the animal to become more comfortable with people and behave in ways that force wildlife officials to euthanize it.
The bear in this clip, taken at Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes area, is a great example of what happens when a bear becomes habituated to people. There’s a good chance this bear has fed on garbage, visible on the ground in the video, in addition to food from nearby campgrounds, leading to its casual comfort around humans. Habituated bears are more likely to harm people or property and this bear could have easily done some serious damage if the situation had gone slightly differently.
American black bears, like the one in the video, are the only species of bears found in the Mammoth Lakes area. They are certainly less agressive than grizzly bears, but they can still act as a threat if they become habituated. Anyone recreating or camping in the area is strongly encouraged to be very aware of food and garbage. Even a lingering scent could peak the interest of one of these animals.
U.S. Forest Service on Protecting Bears:
- Store all food, trash, and other wildlife attractants properly at all times .
- Choose a method that works best for you:
- Suspend food and garbage from a tree.
- Use bear resistant containers, like bear vaults. You can rent them at places like REI!
- Use bear fences where available, or bring your own.
- Use bear safes where available.
- NEVERÂ store attractants in your tent.
- REMEMBER: A fed bear is a dead bear.
