Bear Attack Prompts Warning For Sierra Residents, Campers
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (KCBS) – As camping season gets into full swing, officials in the Lake Tahoe area are warning those in the outdoors of some key rules to follow to stay safe.
"It's pretty standard every summer and spring as the bears come out of hibernation and so do the people," said Dana Michaels with the California Department of Fish and Game. "We all like to go to the same places, a beautiful, outdoorsy area like Lake Tahoe."
Just last weekend, a bear and camper got a little too close for call, and officials were forced to kill the animal after it tore through the man's tent.
"They can smell our food and goodies and snacks from miles away and they're attracted to it," said Michaels. "When you're out in the wild, keep an eye out for animals and always store your food and toiletries, anything with an odor in air-tight containers."
KCBS' Rebecca Corral Reports:
Michaels said some of the old standby rules have also changed.
"What the biologists are telling us now is that you don't want to run because that makes you look like prey," she said. "The best thing to do is to face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as you can. Stand as tall and straight as you can."
California's growing black bear population is now estimated at more than 30,000 according to the Department of Fish and Game.
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