Summertime & Bears – July 2025 Update

Hello Echo Lakers,

It’s the middle of summer and the bears are active! They’re also way too comfortable even with the presence of humans and dogs. There have been lots of bear sightings plus a few cabin break-ins and attempts reported. The break-ins have been reported from South Shore, Hemlock Tract, North Shore, and Channel Tract.

I’m no expert on bears or their behavior, but it’s obvious ever since the Caldor fire that there has been more bear activity in the Tahoe region. Also, the bears have been getting braver around humans – see articles linked below for more details.

What can we do?

From what I have noticed if you can pull a shutter off with a pry bar, a bear will most likely be able to do the same with ease. Having sturdy shutters that are flush or recessed within the frame seems to help somewhat. They’re also using all their weight and strength to push in windows or doors. The electrical systems did great last fall to prevent this. However, keep in mind some systems started to fail once the snow fell or couldn’t hold charge with less and less sunlight.

It’s probably best to keep food clear of the cabin when you’re not around, including baking goods and spices. I’ve seen bears make a mess in the kitchen with just cleaning supplies left under the sink.

Here is a great resource from the CDFW: Bearproofing and Protecting Your Cabin

Here are a few Bear articles from the Tahoe Tribune:

• California’s Black Bear Conservation and Management Plan gets an update after nearly 30 years

• What is causing Tahoe bear brains to swell?

• Bear that sends camper to hospital euthanized; Two cubs captured and delivered to wildlife rehab facility

See you in the harbor or on the water….

Dustin Vineyard

Echo Winter Patrol

(P) 530.580.8095

(E) echowinterpatrol@gmail.com