What to Do When Encountering Aggressive Bears in Tahoe
Reporting human-bear conflicts: CDFW (California) – Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system at apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir OR 916-358-2917
Non-emergency wildlife interactions in California State Parks can be reported to its public dispatch at (916) 358-1300.
In Nevada, contact NDOW at 775-688-BEAR (2327).
If the issue is an immediate threat, call local law enforcement or 911.
The CDFW does not make it easy to request assistance. The form only collects data about the incident unless the report contains a specific allegation that the bear has “damaged property, livestock and/or the person filling the report feels threatened”. If so, a depredation permit can be requested to capture the bear.
We need to identify the problem bears by educating the public about the importance, necessity and the correct way to report bear incidents. The information about how to report bear incidents to the CDFW should be included in all materials addressing living with bears.
Unfortunately, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department has stopped collecting this important information. Their receptionist only provided me with the phone numbers of the Animal Shelter and the Bear League and some misleading information blaming the victim. Neither of those agencies provided the correct information about reporting the problem to the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.
The Tahoe Bear 