Victor's Story

On the night of August 22, 2024, a local bear known as "Victor," due to the V-shaped marking on his chest, was roaming the Lakes Basin in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Attracted by the smell of freshly grilled steak, Victor approached a campsite. Most campers fled, but one remained to film the encounter, positioning themselves between the feeding bear and the bear box—a secure metal enclosure for storing food. As Victor moved towards the bear box, he swiped at the camper, causing a leg injury before the camper fled.

Later that night, a US Fish & Game team tranquilized Victor and transported him 40 miles away. Tragically, they shot him and left his body at a nearby dump.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Bishop Paiute Tribe honored Victor’s memory with a proper and respectful burial, reflecting their deep respect for all living creatures and their commitment to maintaining harmony with nature.

This incident highlights the importance of education. Campers need better information, bears must learn campsites aren’t feeding grounds, and those tasked with managing wildlife should do so with more respect. Our goal is to provide tools to help all parties navigate these situations better.