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Whether
you camp, backpack, mountain bike, or fish, there are precautions you should
take in the High Sierra. Following the suggestions below will help make the
journey safer for you, your companions, and wildlife. Remember, all wildlife
can be dangerous. Please do not approach or feed wild animals, especially bears.
Bear attacks in the Eastern Sierra are NOT common, just be aware of your surroundings.
Remember to take these precautionary measures and enjoy your visit to the Bishop
Area.
Viewing and Photographing wildlife: Be calm and careful and
plan your photography of wildlife with the potential reaction the wildlife may
have if you attempt to approach. Use longer lenses instead of approaching and
be respectful of the wildlife’s environment. Wildlife photos like the
Bighorn sheep photo above was taken from the window of a vehicle on a dirt road.
The sheep run away as soon as they see a human figure step out of a vehicle. Enjoy your photography adventures,
just use caution under all circumstances. They will love you for it.
Reduce the risk of close encounters with bears:
Let Someone Know: where you are going and when you plan to
return.
Keep Children Close: to you and within your immediate sight
at all times.
Avoid damage to your vehicle by NOT leaving any foods, drinks,
coolers (even if empty) or any empty fast food bags or packaging in your vehicle.
A bear’s acute sense of smell can detect odors even though your vehicle
is sealed. Furthermore, if your vehicle is damaged by bears in posted areas,
you may be fined as well. Don’t chance it. Remember to use appropriate
bear boxes for your food storage. The bears will thank you as well.
Make Noise: Talk, sing or clap your hands to let a bear know
of your presence. Don't rely on bells, usually they are too quiet. Shout often,
especially when traveling upwind, near streams and waterfalls, or when you cannot
see the path ahead (avoid thick brush).
Be Alert: Watch for bear sign such as tracks, droppings,
diggings, rolled over rocks, scratch marks on trees and logs that are torn apart.
Carry binoculars and scan ahead periodically.
Don't Hike Alone or at Night: Bears and mountain lions are most
active at dawn, dusk and night, but can be encountered any time. Groups of three
or more people tend to make more noise and appear more formidable. This makes
groups safer than solo hikers.
Avoid Odorous Items: Leave foods and beverages with strong
odors, scented deodorants and lotions and other odorous items at HOME. A bear’s
acute sense of smell can detect odors from great distances. Dry foods are both
lighter and less smelly.
Stay with Your Gear: Don't leave your packs, food or beverages
unattended; even food or beverages stored under water may attract bears.
Bicyclists and runners should carefully select the areas they are recreating
in and be extra alert in mountain lion, bear and rattlesnake country. Speed and quietness
increases risks of a sudden encounter. A mountain lion my see a lone mountain
biker whizzing by as deer-like prey.
Hike at a pace everyone can maintain and stay together.
Mountain lions and some bears behave in a predatory manner and will seek the easiest target.
Don't hike ahead or allow someone to fall behind, especially children and pets.
Common causes of attacks while hiking:
- Not making sufficient noise.
- Approaching or surprising an animal at close range, especially a bear.
- Getting close to a carcass or other food source.
- Startling a female bear with cubs.
- Hiking off trail or at night.
Reporting a problem
If a bear behaves aggressively or attacks, contact the Bishop office of the
California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) at (760) 872-1171 during regular
business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 to 5:00
p.m. In addition, you can also contact the Inyo National Forest Dispatch Center
at (760) 873-2405. If an encounter or attack occurs after business hours, call
the DFG's 24-hour dispatch at (916) 445-0045. The Department will assess the
threat to public safety and take appropriate action.
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