Bear Safety in Mammoth

The Eastern Sierra is bear territory. Give bears plenty of space and avoid approaching them. Let them go about their natural behavior without human interference.

Whether you're camping or living here, store all food, pet food, and scented items in bear-proof containers or lockers. This helps bears stick to their natural diet and keeps them safe.

Clean up after meals, and never leave food scraps or garbage out. Bears are opportunistic feeders, and a clean environment helps prevent them from becoming dependent on human food.

Never feed bears or leave food out intentionally. Feeding them causes unnatural behavior, making them more likely to approach humans. A fed bear is a dead bear.

Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. If you’re out hiking or recreating during these times, be extra cautious and make noise to avoid startling them.

Secure trash, bird feeders, compost, and outdoor pet food. Properly managing these attractants reduces conflict and helps keep bears wild.

If you spot a bear in your area, enjoy the experience from a safe distance. There’s no need to panic or alarm others unless the bear shows unusual behavior.

If you spot a bear and it starts to approach, don’t run. Be loud, appear large (channel your cranky email voice), and face the bear while backing away slowly. Do not approach.

When camping in bear country, set up your sleeping area upwind from the cooking and food storage zones, keeping all three sections separate for safety.

Spread awareness of bear safety in your community. Encourage responsible behavior to help foster a respectful co-existence.

Update your knowledge before you enter bear country. Learn more tips and insights from the U.S. Forest Service.