Inyo National Forest

	Mt. Whitney
	Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
	Reds Meadow
	Wilderness
	Black Bears and Food Storage
	SCA Summer Projects
	Evaluate Our Service

Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane
Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514

760-873-2400
TTY: 760-873-2538

Recreational Activities - Food Storage & Bears

[Photo]: Black bear The Inyo National Forest requires proper food storage in all wilderness areas. In some places where counter-balancing food has been unsuccessful and/or bear activity is very high, there are requirements that visitors must use containers designed to prevent access to bears. Bear canister regulations increase the chances for black bears to exist in a natural environment undisturbed by human influences.

When bears gain access to improperly stored food they become habituated and food conditioned (less likely to forage for their natural food sources.) When black bears lose their fear of humans they may become more aggressive toward visitors as a strategy in obtaining human food. To protect humans and bears, please do your part to ensure your food is stored properly. Bear resistant food canisters provide many benefits, including a greater flexibility to camp in a wide variety of environments, an increased level of safety, and the knowledge that you are helping to preserve the health and well-being of the Sierra Nevada black bears.

PROPER FOOD STORAGE METHODS:

Bear-Resistant Food Canisters

The most effective method of food storage for backpackers is a bear-resistant canister. For stock users, the most effective method is bear-resistant panniers or steel drums. Bears cannot open any of these containers because they cannot gain a purchase with their claws. Therefore, we have often found that when bears see a canister, they simply walk away realizing their efforts to get inside would be futile. We strongly advise all backpackers and stock users to utilize one of these methods of food storage, even where canisters are not required.

Storing Food at Trailheads

Plan ahead so that you do not need to store extra food in your car. Bring only what you will need during your trip to the wilderness. At some trailheads, storing food in your car is prohibited, but bear resistant storage lockers are provided for your convenience. However, space is very limited. Leave bulky items, such as coolers, at home. Items that bears associate with food include plastic bottles, water bottles, coffee mugs, empty cans, trash, wrappers, cosmetics, grocery bags, boxes, and ice chests. Do not leave these items in your car or tent. Bears will break into your car or tent to obtain them.

[Image]: Garcia Approved Bear Canister

more containers

The Counter-Balance Method

Previously, the counter-balance method of hanging food in sacs over a branch worked in many areas. Now, however, it is effective in fewer and fewer places. If you are traveling in an area where this method is still acceptable, remember that even when done properly bears may gain access to your food. Be prepared to actively defend your food and repeatedly scare bears away from your camp. Even with this negative reinforcement, bears may figure out a way to get your food - some bears will chew the branches off trees to get your food bags. The counter-balance method of hanging food sacs in trees is only a delaying tactic; eventually persistent bears obtain even properly hung food.

Proper Placement of Food Canister in Camp Area

[Image]: Properly placed bear canister

BEAR CANISTER REQUIRED AREA MAPS

BEAR CANISTER REQUIRED TRAILS:

Beck Lake	High Trail	Main Mt. Whitney
Bishop Pass	JMT/PCT South	Red Cones
Cottonwood Lakes	John Muir Trail North	River Trail
Cottonwood Pass	Kearsarge Pass	Rush Creek
Duck Lake	Little Lakes Valley	Shadow Lake
Fern Lake	Minaret Lake	Treasure Lakes
Fish Creek	Mono Pass

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION

Yosemite National Park Food Storage

Yosemite National Park Bear Canisters

Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park Bear Restrictions

Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group

Please visit the SIBBG for more information about bear canisters and panniers, black bear biology and habitat in the Sierra Nevada, and information on how to pack a bear canister.

Bear Canister Rentals:

All Inyo National Forest Ranger Stations are renting backpacker bear canisters on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are as follows:

Mammoth Ranger Station = $2.50 per day
Lee Vining Ranger Station = $5.00 per week
Lone Pine InterAgency Visitor Center = $2.50 per day
White Mountain Ranger Station = $5.00 per week

Canisters are non-reservable. Ranger stations also have canisters available for purchase, as do local retailers. Please see Ranger Station and Visitor Center locations for contact information.