Wildlife is a key component of the Mammoth Lakes experience, and it is up to us to take appropriate precautions to keep wildlife (and us) safe! There are many actions humans can do to reduce interactions with bears and other wildlife.
LIVING WITH BEARS
Mammoth Lakes is centered in prime black bear habitat. The Police Department responds to several situations each year involving bears within Town limits. While some prefer to avoid human contact, habituated bears will enter both urban areas and campgrounds in search of human food sources. Removing attractants is the most effective way to reduce bear activity.
When You’re in Bear Country - NEVER FEED A BEAR!
- Stash your trash
- Never leave trash outside
- Store food, beverages & toiletries in bear proof food lockers
- Never leave coolers, bags, or boxes full of food in your tent or anywhere a bear could see, smell or reach
- Keep food, toiletries, gum, sunscreen, candles, and insect repellent out of your tent
- Close windows and lock your vehicle when you leave your campsite and before you go to sleep
If you encounter a bear:
- Never approach or harass any wildlife
- Give bears plenty of room to pass by (or leave)
- Do not run - Bears are faster than you
- Stand and face the animal and look large
- Pick up small children so that they don’t panic and run
- If you want to get a closer look, use binoculars
RESIDENTS OF MAMMOTH LAKES
Once bears find an easily accessible food source, they don’t forget, and they’ll come back for more. There are many actions you can take year-round, and especially in the early spring, to deter bear activity in and around your home.
Lock Your Trash
- Make sure that your trash receptacles are latched, secure, and bear-resistant.
- Put trash and recycling bins out for pick-up after 6 a.m. on pick-up day and store them by 7 p.m. on the same day. This includes compost.
Remove Attractants
- Remove bird feeders
- Clean BBQs
- Keep pet food indoors
- Close garage doors
- Secure home and vehicle windows and doors
- Don’t leave food or trash inside your vehicle
- Pick fruit before it ripens and clean up fallen fruit
If the bear remains and you feel it presents a threat please call Dispatch: 760-932-7549, option 7. Or 911 in an emergency.
Town of Mammoth Lakes Ordinance 6.20.010 – Feeding of wildlife prohibited
No person shall feed or in any manner provide food for any non-domesticated animals, including but not limited to bears, mountain lions, coyotes, raccoons, deer, mice, or squirrels. Failure to comply with the Town of Mammoth Lakes Ordinance may result in fines up to $500: 1st Violation: $100.00, 2nd Violation: $200.00 (of the same provision within one year), 3rd Violation: $500.00 (for each additional violation of the same provision within one year).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Black Bears: https://wildlife.ca.gov/HWC/Black-Bears#586893621-additional-resources
Traveling in Bear Country: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=fsbdev3_003846
BearWise Resources: https://bearwise.org/bearwise-store/Fact-Sheets-Checklists-Posters-c50913670
Public Safety - Black Bears in California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4pmQIrLfk8
When Bears and Humans Collide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVi9LXRoFJc
Natural History - Black Bears in California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_xqomglE9g