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Officials with the U.S. Forest Service are warning residents and visitors of increased mountain lion and bear activity in the Lake Tahoe area this summer.
The specific area Forest Service Wilderness rangers have reported seeing the increase is near Middle Velma Lake and surrounding locations.
The information below, from the U.S. Forest Service, details steps you should take to stay safe in bear and mountain lion country.
Hiking and camping in a bear area
- Never leave food, toiletries and/or anything with a scent in your tent, sleeping bag or car.
- Keep sleeping bags, tents and sleeping areas free of food and beverage odors.
- Store food in bear-proof canisters or bear-proof lockers if provided.
- Do not leave out food, stored drinks or diapers.
- Clean everything after preparing a meal.
- Dispose of garbage properly.
- When backpacking, use a bear-proof Backpacker's Cache to store your food.
- When departing an area, empty all goods and refuse from any containers or food storage lockers left behind.
- Never feed a bear.
Hiking and camping in a mountain lion area
- Do not hike alone. Avoid dawn and dusk excursions.
- Keep children close to you. Animals seem especially drawn to children.
- Do not approach a lion. Most mountain lions will try to avoid confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
- Do not run from a lion. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase.
- Do not crouch down or bend over. A human standing does not resemble a mountain lion's natural prey.
- Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms. Open jacket if wearing one. Pick up small children. Wave arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
- Fight back if attacked. Mountain lions usually try to bite the head or neck; try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.
