The folks at Mammoth Mountain in California wanted to share some helpful advice for visitors to avoid a persistent issue they deal with every summer, bears breaking into vehicles in their parking lots. Last summer over 50 cars were broken into by bears and lets just say these animals don’t use a slim jim to gracefully pop the doors. A bear has a sense of smell 2,100 times stronger than a human so it can smell the faintest trace of attractants and enough power to rip a car door off the frame while it is locked.
“Your car is just a lunchbox a bear can peel open. It is not a secure food storage container.” -Mammoth Mountain
Remember folks, your vehicle isn’t bear proof, not by a long shot so follow all protocols to avoid bear break ins. Also chapstick can smell just as enticing to bear as a filet mignon, so make sure to remove all scented items including toiletries like toothpaste. Here’s Mammoth’s advice:
In Your Car & Campsite:
REMOVE ALL SCENTS: Never leave food, trash, or scented items in your car.
USE SECURE STORAGE: Parking overnight at the mountain? There are bear proof containers by the “B” area parking sign. Please use them.
STASH YOUR TRASH: Always use the bear proof dumpsters and cans around town.
On the Trail & In Town:
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Never approach wildlife. Want a closer look? Use a zoom lens. Always give bears plenty of space to move along.
STAND TALL & LOOK BIG: Stand your ground, look large, and immediately pick up small children so they do not run.
MAKE NOISE: Make your presence known on the trail so you never surprise an animal.
Thank you for helping us protect our bears and our community.
