As Californians head outdoors for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, wildlife officials are reminding the public to take extra care when it comes to food, trash, and bears.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says summer is a particularly important time for yearling black bears—those born in the winter of 2025—who are now out on their own for the first time.
These young bears are beginning to explore the landscape independently and, officials say, are especially vulnerable to becoming accustomed to human food and garbage. Once that happens, it can quickly lead to increased wildlife conflicts and dangerous encounters in campgrounds, neighborhoods, and recreation areas.
CDFW is urging residents and visitors across California—including popular holiday destinations in the Sierra and Northern California—to secure food, store trash properly, and avoid leaving anything outdoors that could attract wildlife.
Wildlife officials emphasize that keeping bears wild starts with simple prevention: locking up food in vehicles or bear-resistant containers, cleaning up campsites, and never feeding wildlife intentionally or unintentionally.
With thousands of people expected to spend the holiday weekend at lakes, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation areas, officials say the actions of the public can make a major difference in keeping young bears alive, wild, and out of trouble.
CDFW shared the reminder alongside a public service video, encouraging Californians to enjoy the outdoors responsibly while protecting wildlife during one of the busiest recreation weekends of the year.
Watch the video on California Department of Fish and Wildlife Facebook page.
