Lake Tahoe Residents Urge City Council to Declare Bear Sanctuary

UPDATE: South Lake Tahoe residents are urgently advocating for the city to establish a bear sanctuary, calling for greater accountability from humans amid increasing bear encounters. At a city council meeting on October 16, 2023, residents expressed their concerns over bears frequently entering homes and cars in search of food.

JUST ANNOUNCED: The local nonprofit, the Bear League, has formally proposed a proclamation to the city council, emphasizing non-lethal solutions to manage bear populations. This initiative could potentially introduce fines for residents who fail to secure trash and food, a measure designed to deter bears from urban areas.

The push for a sanctuary stems from a growing number of incidents where bears are forced to forage in human spaces due to improper waste management. “It’s time we take responsibility for our impact on these bears,” one resident stated during the meeting, highlighting the need for human intervention to protect wildlife.

As bear sightings surge, the council has yet to publicly address this proposal. The Bear League’s involvement adds significant weight to the initiative, aiming to foster a safer coexistence between residents and wildlife.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city council is expected to review the proposal in upcoming sessions, and residents are encouraged to voice their opinions. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as the bear population’s safety—and the safety of the community—hangs in the balance.

With public interest piqued, the outcome of this initiative could redefine how South Lake Tahoe manages its interactions with wildlife. As discussions continue, community members are urged to consider their role in supporting a sustainable environment for both bears and humans.