Six bear cubs have been killed in vehicle collisions around the Lake Tahoe area over the past two weeks, prompting wildlife advocates to ask drivers to slow down and watch more carefully for bears near roads.
The recent deaths have been reported across several parts of the Tahoe Basin, including one cub struck along Highway 89 on the West Shore, two along Highway 267 and three in neighborhoods around South Lake Tahoe.
The deaths come at a particularly active time for Tahoe’s black bears. As fall approaches, bears enter a period known as hyperphagia, when they significantly increase their food intake and spend more time searching for calories before winter.
That increased movement can bring bears closer to roads, neighborhoods and other areas used by people.
Near Heavenly Resort in South Lake Tahoe, wildlife advocates have been drawing attention to a location where a bear cub was recently killed. Signs have been placed along the road warning motorists to be alert for wildlife, while a small memorial has also appeared near the area.
Ann Bryant of the BEAR League said the number of cubs killed in such collisions has been especially difficult for volunteers this year.
The organization tracks bear deaths caused by vehicle strikes throughout the Tahoe region. Bryant said volunteers have repeatedly been called to collect the bodies of young bears, describing the work as emotionally exhausting.
Wildlife officials have previously warned that bears can become especially active during the fall feeding period. Tahoe’s black bears may spend much of their time looking for food, including natural foods as well as human-related food sources in neighborhoods and campgrounds.
That activity also means motorists may encounter bears crossing roads with little warning.
Drivers are being encouraged to obey posted speed limits, pay close attention to wildlife warning signs and reduce their speed when traveling through areas known for bear activity. If a bear is spotted near or on a roadway, drivers should slow down and remain alert for other bears nearby.
Mother bears can also be followed by cubs, making it important for motorists not to assume that a single bear is traveling alone.
The BEAR League would like to see more attention-getting wildlife warnings installed around the lake, including mobile electronic signs that can be moved to locations where bear activity is occurring.
The concern is expected to continue through the fall. Hyperphagia typically lasts into November, meaning bears will remain focused on finding enough food to build the reserves they need for winter.
For drivers traveling around Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks, wildlife advocates say a slower approach could make an important difference. Keeping an eye on the road, particularly in areas marked for wildlife activity, can give bears and other animals more time to safely cross.
