Tahoe Wildlife – American Black Bear

By TKPOA Security

URSUS AMERICANUS: THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR. The bear responsible for more attacks on humans than any other bear. Weighing at an average between 200 and 300 pounds, they are capable of speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour, are incredibly strong, and armed with claws that are highly dexterous, and capable of opening screw top jars, manipulation of door latches, and yes, even car doors. They are excellent climbers and capable swimmers. These bears are solitary by nature, except when in family groups of mothers and cubs or in pairs, during the mating season of early spring.

Although called black bears, they can range in color from dark brown to light cinnamon. They eat a wide variety of food such as grass, roots, nuts and berries, and occasionally small mammals and fish. During the fall, if you’re particularly lucky you might even see some of our local Tahoe bears fishing for salmon during the annual salmon run at Taylor Creek.

Bears may defend a food resource or cubs when present, and although they may act docile, it is important to remember that these are wild animals and deserve their space. Although not strictly territorial, bears may congregate in areas of high food density.

The Tahoe Keys area has numerous sources of natural food, including flowering plants and berries, as well as some species of fruit trees spread throughout the area. Bears are, however,

opportunists who will sniff out and investigate any potential food source such as garbage and trash left out and accessible in trash receptacles and vehicles. There were four documented cases of bear breakins on vehicles and garages within the Tahoe Keys last year with at least two broken windows and two door manipulations. It is important to remember to always roll car windows up tightly and lock vehicle doors, and to remove any food or trash from your vehicle to avoid damage. While most black bears hibernate during the winter months, some of our Tahoe bears have been known to stay awake through the winter if there are enough food sources present, so it is important to be bear-aware year round. In the Keys all homeowners and renters are required to store all trash and garbage in a secure location, either in garage or residence until the scheduled Friday morning pick up.

Although these animals have a highly developed sense of smell and acute hearing, recent research is showing that their long distance vision is not very good and they are not able to see large objects from further than 30 yards away. This is important when driving and when viewing wild bears you might encounter in the Tahoe Keys area. Remember these are wild animals that deserve our respect and distance. A bear who feels threatened will sometimes “huff” or blow air through their mouth or nostrils, or snap their teeth together. This is usually the result of curious humans encroaching into the bear’s space and causing unease. These actions are sometimes followed with a bluff charge, running toward the cause of their unease or perceived threat and stopping early, or veering off... but not always.

Please respect any and all wildlife in the Tahoe Keys by not feeding them and eliminating access to food sources in cars and garbage receptacles, and by not crowding them. After all, the Tahoe Basin is their home too. Enjoy the view!