In response to a surge in misinformation circulating online and on flyers within the Lake Tahoe community, the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is stepping up to debunk claims and educate the public on the real issues surrounding the region’s black bears.
Over recent weeks, false information about black bears has spread, raising concerns among residents and wildlife enthusiasts. The TIBT, a collective of bear experts from state and local agencies, is working to clarify misconceptions and ensure the health and well-being of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s black bear population.
One prevalent claim that TIBT aims to dispel is the notion that bears need human assistance during hibernation. Contrary to circulated images and videos encouraging bears to den under homes, TIBT emphasizes that this behavior can lead to property damage and increased human-bear conflicts. The team advises homeowners to board up crawl spaces to discourage bears from establishing makeshift dens.
Another debunked claim is the belief that bears are starving, requiring human assistance through feeding. TIBT stresses that bears are resilient and adaptable creatures, capable of adjusting their diets to what is available in their natural habitat. Feeding bears not only disrupts their natural foraging instincts but also leads to illegal behavior, as it is against the law to feed bears in California and Nevada.