The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) has announced the return of Tahoe Bear Fest, set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Spooner Lake State Park. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.
Tahoe Bear Fest aims to celebrate the black bears of Lake Tahoe and highlight the efforts of local agencies and communities in promoting bear safety and awareness. The festival will feature interactive booths, educational presentations, guided hikes, and activities designed for all ages. Food and drinks will be available through the Nevada State Parks Foundation for a small donation while supplies last.
Presentations at the amphitheater are scheduled every half hour from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with topics including bear biology by California State Parks, Karelian Bear Dogs presented by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bear CSI by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Bear Storytime hosted by Zephyr Cove Library.
Guided "Bear Walk" hikes led by Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Park Rangers will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., focusing on black bear biology, behavior, and habitat.
Parking at Spooner Lake State Park is limited; attendees are encouraged to carpool. There is no need for guests to arrive at the start time as they may join anytime during event hours. Entrance fees to the park will be waived during the festival.
Participating organizations include local groups such as Bear-ier Solutions, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, Mountain Lion Arts, South Tahoe Refuse, Sustainable Tahoe, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Waste Management, various state parks departments from both Nevada and California, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Carson City Parks & Recreation & Open Space, Derek Stevenson Wildlife Art, Nevada State Parks Foundation, and Zephyr Cove Library.
Members of the media have been invited to attend in order to connect with wildlife experts and learn more about ongoing efforts aimed at reducing human–bear conflicts around Lake Tahoe Basin.
"Tahoe Interagency Bear Team representatives will be available for on-site interviews to discuss bear biology, human–wildlife interactions, and practical steps residents and visitors can take to help protect bears."
For further information or media attendance confirmation, contact Tyler Kerver at tkerver@parks.nv.gov or (775) 495-0620.