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California Bear Safety Guide: Lockers, Canisters, Trails
California bear safety explained: using bear lockers, canister rules in Yosemite and Sequoia, keeping food out of cars and what to do if you meet a bear.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
California has tens of thousands of black bears. Most problems come from bears getting into coolers, cars and tents, and bears that get human food may have to be killed.
This guide covers bear lockers, canisters, car and campsite rules, and what to do if you meet a bear.
In This Guide
California Bears: What You Need to Know
All wild bears in California are black bears. The California grizzly was extinct by the 1920s.
Black bears can be black, brown, cinnamon or blond. They can open coolers and break car windows for food.
How to Use Bear Lockers at Campsites
Most campgrounds in bear country have a metal locker at each site. Anything scented goes in it whenever you aren’t using it. Keep it latched even while you’re at the site.
- All food, including sealed and canned
- Coolers, drinks and trash
- Toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, deodorant
- Pet food, bowls and cooking gear
- Baby wipes and anything else scented
Keeping Food Out of Your Car
Yosemite bears break into cars for food, even an empty cooler or wrapper. Yosemite bans food and scented items in cars overnight and issues fines.
Use trailhead and campground lockers, and clear out crumbs and trash. Some parks mark bear car break-ins with red markers along the road.
Bear Canisters in the Backcountry
Canisters approved by the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group are required for overnight trips in much of the Sierra. Store them on flat ground at least 100 feet from your tent.
Don’t hang food; Sierra bears defeat hanging systems. Canister rules also apply to many Mount Whitney and Inyo National Forest trips.
- Yosemite wilderness: required overnight (see my Yosemite permits guide)
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon: required in many areas, including the Rae Lakes Loop
- Inyo National Forest: required in many areas, including the Mount Whitney zone
What to Do If You See a Bear
Stay at least 50 yards away. If a bear approaches, stand tall, wave your arms and yell.
Don’t run or get between a mother and cubs. If a bear gets food, let it go and report it to rangers.
Bear Safety on Day Hikes
Make noise near streams and blind corners. Don’t leave your pack unattended.
Keep kids close and dogs leashed. My Yosemite packing list covers a day hiking kit.
Bears in Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes
Bears raid trash and enter homes in South Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes. Use bear-resistant bins, lock car doors and keep food off decks and out of open garages.
Rentals usually have trash rules; read them on arrival.
Leave No Trace in Bear Country
Pack out all trash, including orange peels and nutshells. Follow storage rules even if other campers don’t. See my car camping guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grizzly bears in California?
No. California grizzlies were extinct by the 1920s. All wild bears in the state are black bears.
Can I leave food in my car in Yosemite?
No. Food and scented items must go in bear lockers overnight, and violations are fined.
Do I need a bear canister in Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
Yes, for overnight trips in many areas, including the Rae Lakes Loop. Check rules when you get your wilderness permit.
Can I bring bear spray to Yosemite?
No. Other parks and forests have different rules.
How far should I stay from a bear?
At least 50 yards. If one approaches, look big, make noise and don’t run.
Destination guide
My Sequoia hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
