Local Big Bear news sources have recently highlighted more frequent bear sightings. Dick Fisher wrote a very relevant article back in 1996, and now, 25 years later, the same advice and precautions still apply. Please read Dick’s article and heed the warnings:
About Them Bears
As you may have heard, there have been Black Bears (who actually may be red, brown, or black in color) observed foraging around our cabins this summer, and with the drought, we can expect more as they smell the lake water. Our quick research reveals the following information:
The San Bernardino Mountains were California grizzly bear territory until that species was exterminated by man in the early 1900s. Black bears were first introduced to these mountains in the 1930s when "problem bears" from Yosemite Park were relocated here. There is now a stable, permanent population of descendants of those Yosemite bears, living in the forests of Big Bear. These bears become quite large (500 lbs.), are a protected species, have great predatory powers and speed, and like to eat meat -- but they do not (we are pleased to report) hunt human prey. Normally shy of humans, they will still enter settled areas to find garbage and other food they associate with human habitation. But, they can be very dangerous, particularly in the following circumstances:
If the bear loses her natural shyness by too much human contact or by being fed by humans, she is likely to associate cabins with food, and break into them or otherwise become aggressive with humans. This human-induced bear misbehavior will result in Fish and Game wardens eventually killing the nuisance bears to protect the offending humans, once again proving how life may not be fair;
If the bear, based on its extremely keen sense of smell, mistakes you for prepared food because of food odors on you or your clothing – people sleeping outside after handling food and/or wearing clothing that was worn while cooking, have been mauled by bears confused by odor;
If the bear and your dog have a hostile confrontation – the bear easily may kill the dog, or may chase the dog, and the dog may thus lead the angry bear back to your cabin, at which time your animal-management skills will be severely tested. If your dog is permitted to wander, you are obviously at higher risk of such problems;
If the bear is surprised or scared by your unexpected presence – particularly if she feels cornered. You should make noises when you are hiking, so that bears can avoid you;
If a mother bear thinks that you may be bothering her cub in any way, or coming between her and her cub – she will become aroused and aggressive. Young bears, cute as they may be, therefore pose a special danger to humans, because there is almost always a cranky, protective, and therefore dangerous mother bear nearby; and
If, upon encountering a bear, you make sudden movements or turn and run, you may trigger an aggressive chase response by the bear. If possible, back away slowly, at the same time taking care not to come nearer to a cub or between a bear and its cub. Depending on the circumstances, making loud noises such as clanging metal plates may scare off the bear.
The paramount rule for peaceful co-existence with bears is not to feed them in any way. Do not leave food or garbage in a place where it may attract bear interest or entry. Do not throw or bury garbage outside the cabin, and do not store it outside or in a readily accessible spot within the cabin, even in closed trash cans.