No bear selfies allowed at South Tahoe's Taylor Creek salmon run; gawkers urged to keep their distance
During the 2014 Kokanee salmon run at the U.S. Forest Service's Taylor Creek Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe, many visitors attempted to get a "selfie" with the bears who frequent the area in search of the colorful fish to add to their daily calorie intake before winter hibernation.
The spectacle was done while ignoring both the bear's safety as well as the public's and prompted the Forest Service to issue warnings and threats to close the area.
With an increased awareness of the attempt by people to encounter bears, forest officials issued warnings last year, and are doing so again for this fall's salmon spawn season.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nevada Department of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service are asking visitors to keep their distance when encountering bears.
“Bears are unpredictable, wild animals and may attack if threatened,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Gibson. “We can’t have visitors creating dangerous situations for themselves and others. People are risking serious injury or death if they get too close to a bear.”
If visitors continue to disregard directions to stay away from bears at Taylor Creek, the Forest Service may close the area for public safety. Approaching bears too closely is also putting bears at risk, since bears may be captured and killed if they attack.
At Taylor Creek, visitors should stay on trails, respect wildlife and keep a safe distance if bears are present.
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