SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Black bear activity at Lake Tahoe is surging, with “cubs of the year” (COY) emerging from their winter homes with their mothers, and yearlings (2nd year bears) being dispersed from their mothers.

Two of those newly dispersed yearlings had human interactions last week, leading to investigations by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

In one case, CDFW law enforcement went to a South Lake Tahoe home to investigate a report of a physical bear-human interaction. Law enforcement determined that the bear was not a public safety issue, and no further action was taken.

In the second case, a yearling swiped at a person at Fallen Leaf Lake on Thursday, June 18. DNA was obtained. A bear was captured on Friday to see if it was the same one. It was determined that the DNA of the bear matched that of the one that had injured the person the day before. It was deemed the bear was a public safety threat, according to CDFW, and it was euthanized on Saturday.

“Any time there is human–wildlife conflict, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s foremost priority is public safety,” said Peter Tira, CDFW information officer. “With that in mind, the black bear showing aggressive behavior before it was involved in the June 18 incident at Fallen Leaf Lake — where an individual was swiped — was captured on Friday, June 19. DNA testing confirmed it was the same bear responsible for the physical contact at Fallen Leaf Lake. In accordance with CDFW’s Black Bear Policy in California, the bear was humanely euthanized on Saturday, June 20.”

“CDFW reminds residents and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin that bear activity is currently very high. Preventing bears from accessing human food, garbage, and other attractants is essential to reducing conflicts and keeping bears healthy and wild. Please be prepared with a plan to properly secure your food and trash so bears cannot get to it. Simple steps can help protect yourself and loved ones while reducing the chance of an encounter with a bear,” Tira added.

This time of year always sees an increase in black bear activity, but according to data from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, the number of calls on bears has almost doubled.

Since January 1, there have been 121 bear calls in the city limits, according to Lt. Scott Crivelli. During the same period last year, there were 62 calls; in 2024, 28; and in 2023, 55.

The calls have been heavily concentrated on the west end of South Lake Tahoe, between the city limits and River Drive (80 of the 121 calls in this zone). In the middle of town, between River and Johnson Blvd., 30 calls, and the east end of town, which is from Johnson to the state line, 11 calls.

The calls include bears breaking windows and doors and entering homes.

What the data means is up for determination. While yearlings and mothers with COY are out in force right now, some are seeing behaviors normally seen in the fall when bears prepare for winter and seek more calories. Others think it’s people knowing more, and when to call authorities when there is an observed problem.

South Lake Tahoe area advocates say they’ve never seen activity like seen currently. The police data backs that up.

Most of the calls the BEAR League is receiving are concerning yearlings. Executive Director Ann Bryant said many were dispersed just a month ago, so they are still “learning the rules” as they find their way without the mother.

In her opinion, Bryant said the increase in the number of calls doesn’t mean problems are increasing. She said people didn’t know as much as they do now about living with bears (and bears learning to live with humans). With more people, there is more opportunity for bear contact and conflict.

Bryant said she is proud of residents and short-term rental companies for learning about living with bears and getting information out to everyone.

“It’s been eight years, maybe people are learning,” said Bryant. Even though it is a never-ending battle to get the message out, she says it is working.

Visit https://www.tahoebears.org/ for information from the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team.