Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane
Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
760-873-2400
TTY: 760-873-2538
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Recreational Activities - Food Storage
& Bears
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. |
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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
BEAR CANISTER REQUIRED AREA MAPS
BEAR CANISTER REQUIRED TRAILS: |
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LINKS
TO MORE INFORMATION |
Yosemite
National Park Food Storage
Yosemite
National Park Bear Canisters
Sequoia/Kings
Canyon National Park Bear Restrictions
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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. |
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