black bears, not grizzlies
The Sierra Nevada has American black bears (fur can be brown or cinnamon). They’re smart, strong, and driven by smell — not out to hunt people.
wildlife
bear aware
Tahoe Donner is black bear country. They live in the forest behind the haus and pass through the neighborhood looking for easy food. A little care keeps you, your dogs, and the bears safer — and keeps the wild ones wild.
the basics
quick facts
food is the magnet
Trash, coolers, pet food, BBQ grease, bird seed, and scented toiletries in a car all pull bears into yards and porches. Secure attractants and most problems never start.
injuries are rare
Serious encounters in California are uncommon. Most “trouble” is property damage when a bear finds an easy meal. Don’t reward them — and don’t get close for a photo.
active when you are
Bears are out spring through fall, and can show up any time of day — dawn, dusk, and overnight are classic. Lock up before bed like you would in any mountain town.
stay alert
they can disappear into the brush
A cinnamon-colored black bear can blend into green cover surprisingly well. Scan the trail edge, driveway, and brush before stepping out — and never approach for a closer look.
at the haus
how we stay bear-smart
Host habits that work in Tahoe Donner — same ideas you’ll see from Tahoe Donner Association and California Fish & Wildlife.
- Trash & recycling: keep cans closed and secured (garage or bear-resistant setup). Don’t leave bags on the porch overnight.
- Food indoors: no coolers, groceries, or leftovers on the deck, in the garage entry, or in a parked car.
- Cars: empty of food, trash, and scented stuff; lock doors and close windows — bears open unlocked cars looking for snacks.
- Doors & windows: lock up when you leave and at night. Don’t prop a ground-floor door for the breeze with the kitchen smelling like dinner.
- BBQ: burn off grease after cooking, clean the grate, and don’t leave greasy tools or foil outside.
- Pet food: feed dogs indoors; bring bowls in. Store kibble sealed inside — not in a mudroom or open bin.
- Bird feeders & scraps: skip or take them down while you’re here. Compost and fallen fruit are attractants too.
neighborhood crossings
slow down, leave space
Bears move through residential roads, too. Slow down on forest drives, give a mother and cubs a clear route, and keep food and trash secured in bear-resistant enclosures — never loose in the car or outside overnight.
if you see one
stay calm, give space
- Never approach, feed, or corner a bear — especially with cubs nearby.
- If it hasn’t noticed you, back away slowly the way you came. Don’t run.
- If it sees you, make yourself big, speak firmly, and wave your arms. Give it a clear path to leave.
- Keep dogs leashed and close; don’t let them chase wildlife.
- If a bear is inside a building or won’t leave, get somewhere safe and call 911.
This is general public guidance for Sierra black bears — not a substitute for official advice in an emergency. When in doubt, get people and pets inside and call for help.
trails & nights
out on the paths
Forest and creek trails behind the neighborhood are beautiful — and that’s bear habitat. Make a little noise on blind corners, keep kids close, and carry out every snack wrapper. After dark, use a light on the walk from the car and don’t leave the BBQ or cooler “for later.”
go deeper
official resources
We keep this page practical and host-voiced. For the latest local and state guidance: