Truckee is warning residents to be bear-aware as the animals start to wake from their winter slumber.

Here are tips to coexist with bears:

·         Never leave food of any kind in your car, including chewing gum.

·         Roll up car windows, lock the doors. They know how to open car doors if unlocked.

·         Never leave ground floor windows and doors open, even if you are home.

·         Remove garbage and get it away from the house and garage by taking it to a dumpster or by installing a bear-proof enclosure.

If you encounter a bear, give them an escape route to run away from you, make lots of noise, and call the police at 530.550.2320. Truckee officers work closely with BEAR League volunteers to divert bears from populated neighborhoods when possible. The BEAR League has a 24-hour hotline — 530.525-7297.