Bears Adapt to Human Environment in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Residents in South Lake Tahoe are expressing concerns over the increasing adaptability of local bears, which have begun to breach bear boxes and even cars in their quest for food. Longtime resident Robert Hinde, who has lived in the area for 25 years, noted that bears are learning to access containers that were previously thought to be secure. He remarked that the bears' ability to open trash cans and vehicles indicates a troubling trend in their behavior. Local resident Bryant echoed Hinde's observations, stating that bears have evolved to the point where they can open jars of peanut butter, a feat they could not accomplish years ago. She emphasized that bears are rapidly adapting to human activities, and there is a growing concern that humans may not be keeping pace with these changes. This evolution poses challenges for residents trying to coexist with wildlife. Peter Tira from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife highlighted that as fall approaches, bears will intensify their search for food in preparation for winter. He explained that this instinctual behavior drives them to seek out food sources more aggressively, which may lead to increased encounters with humans. Despite the challenges, Hinde reassured residents that proper management of bear boxes and trash can mitigate issues. He advised that if a bear does access a bear box, individuals should contact the manufacturer to investigate potential defects. Overall, he emphasized the importance of being "bear smart" to ensure safety for both residents and wildlife.