Public Service Announcement – Bear Activity Advisory
Sierra County Sheriff’s Office
Date: July 23, 2025
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office is advising all residents and visitors about increased black bear activity throughout the county, with a recent concentration of incidents occurring in and around the town of Calpine.
Over the past week, multiple bear encounters have been reported involving entry into vehicles, garages, sheds, and occupied structures. Bears have accessed food, damaged property, and shown bold behavior.
While Calpine has seen a cluster of reports, bear activity is not limited to any one area, and residents and visitors across Sierra County should take immediate steps to prevent bear encounters.
Bear Safety and Prevention Tips:
Secure Vehicles:
1. Always lock your vehicle doors and close windows when parked.
2. Remove all food, wrappers, drinks, and scented items (including gum, deodorant, or air fresheners).
3. Never leave coolers or food storage containers in your car, even if empty.
Secure Trash and Attractants:
1. Store garbage in bear-resistant containers, or keep trash inside until the morning of pickup.
2. Clean barbeques and store them securely.
3. Bring in pet food and birdseed at night.
4. Keep compost bins properly managed and enclosed.
Protect Your Home and Outbuildings:
1. Keep garage and shed doors closed and latched.
2. Use strong locks or latches on outside storage areas.
3. Close and lock windows and doors, especially at night.
Report Bear Encounters
For immediate safety concerns or property damage, contact Sierra County Dispatch at (530) 289-3700 or 911 if an emergency.
If you have photographs or videos, you can email them to the sheriff’s office at:
Additional Information:
Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Human-Wildlife Conflicts information at:
