The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) has issued a reminder about the importance of respecting wildlife, particularly black bears in the Lake Tahoe area. According to Urban Wildlife Biologist Rebecca Carniello from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, “Black bears are typically cautious around humans and by seeking out interactions with them or allowing them to den under homes you are exposing them to human presence, sounds, and smells.” Carniello emphasizes that while black bears in the Tahoe Basin often encounter humans, additional exposure could increase their comfort levels around people.
The TIBT stresses that respecting wildlife involves maintaining distance and setting boundaries to ensure both human safety and the preservation of bears’ natural behaviors. These measures include managing food attractants properly, hazing bears away from human areas, and never feeding them human-sourced food or trash. The organization is concerned about the rising trend of people encroaching on wildlife spaces for photos or social media content, which they view as disrespectful and harmful.
The team warns against anthropomorphizing wild animals by naming them or treating them as pets. Such actions can lead to dangerous situations where habituated bears may harm humans or damage property. The TIBT urges residents and visitors to report any problematic interactions between humans and bears.
For those needing guidance on bear encounters, resources are available on the BearWise webpage.
