No bear selfies allowed at Taylor Creek: Agencies partner to keep people and bears safe

During the 2014 Kokanee Salmon run at the U.S. Forest Service's Taylor Creek Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe, many visitors attempted to get a "selfie" with the bears who frequent the area in search of Salmon. This disregard for both the bear's safety as well as the public's prompted USFS officials to issue warnings and threat to close the area.

With an increased awareness of the attempt by people to encounter bears, Forest officials issued warnings last year, and are doing so again this fall salmon spawn season.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service are asking visitors to keep their distance when encountering bears.

Visitor center staff routinely encounter unsafe situations when guest ignore posted instructions and get close to bears to take photos and videos. Bears are unpredictable, wild animals and may attack if they feel threatened. Wildlife authorities may kill bears if they attack people.

The federal and state agencies do not encourage visits to see bears and advise the public to stay away from bears, as they are dangerous animals. At Taylor Creek, visitors should stay on trails, respect wildlife and keep a safe distance if bears are present. Never approach bears for any reason, including a photo opportunity. If visitors continue to disregard directions to stay away from bears at Taylor Creek, the Forest Service may close the area for public safety.