California — A startling new video from the Mount Whitney trailhead serves as a visceral reminder of why keeping a clean vehicle in bear country isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a necessity.
In the footage two-time World Hillclimb Champion Phil Gaimon a hiker stumbles upon the aftermath of an opportunistic black bear who used its immense strength to peel the metal doorframe away from a Subaru like a tin can to get at a bag of trail mix. This incident proves that even a locked vehicle offers little protection once a scent is detected.
Wildlife officials at Whitney emphasize that to a hungry bear, a car with food of any kind inside is simply an oversized lunchbox. It isn’t just open food that poses a risk, items such as empty soda cans, discarded wrappers, or even scented toiletries are enough to trigger a break-in.
Remember folks, even leaving the slightest trace of food in your car isn’t just risking the well-being of you bodywork, you are habituating bears to human food, a dangerous cycle that often ends poorly for both the human and the wildlife involved.
“If bears obtain our food—even just one time—bears begin may break into cars, tents, and cabins. They can become aggressive towards people to obtain food. So while visiting the park, you can protect bears by storing camping food properly and viewing wildlife at a safe distance.” -Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Moral of the story, be meticulously clean when it comes to your car in bear country or it may end up like this unfortunate Subi.
Mount Whitney Bear Safety at the Campground and Trailhead:
Proper food storage is essential for the safety of both visitors and wildlife. Always utilize the provided food storage lockers at the campgrounds and trailheads. Because locker space is limited, minimize the amount of food you bring and avoid storing non-food items in them. It is highly recommended to leave ice chests at home. Remember that to a bear, “food” includes far more than just your meals; water bottles, coffee mugs, soda cans, trash, wrappers, cosmetics, and grocery bags all have scents that attract them. Never leave these items in your car or tent. Maintain a clean camp at all times and never leave food or trash unattended.
To discourage bears from entering your campsite at Whitney Portal, ensure you finish your meals and have all items securely stored in the lockers by nightfall. While at the portal, always keep your pack and food within immediate reach. Bears are opportunistic and have been known to snatch packs left momentarily next to vehicles while hikers are setting up camp or using the restroom.
Food Storage on the Trail
On the Mt. Whitney Trail, bear canisters are required from Memorial Day weekend through November 1. Canisters are the only truly effective way to store food in the backcountry, and their use is strongly recommended year-round. Bears can be active during the spring and fall, and even when bears are less active, marmots will persistently attempt to access improperly stored food.
Before departing from the trailhead, verify that all food, trash, toiletries, and any other scented items will fit completely inside your canister for the first night. Be aware that Forest Service rangers will issue citations to hikers who attempt to counterbalance food or hang trash from trees during the period when canisters are required.
Bear Canister Rentals
If you do not own a canister, they are available for rent at several locations, including the InterAgency Visitor Center in Lone Pine and the Whitney Portal Store. Taking these precautions ensures a safer environment for everyone and helps keep the local bear population wild.
