Problem people a threat to Tahoe bears

People — bears are unpredictable, wild animals and that may attack you, your children and your pets if they feel threatened.

That’s the message being delivered by wildlife authorities, especially on the South Shore. Human interactions with bears at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center during the kokanee salmon spawn have become a public safety concern.

If a bear becomes aggressive, even if the reason is because a human provoked it, that bear is likely to be killed.

According to the U.S. Forests Service, visitor center staff routinely encounter unsafe situations when guest ignore posted instructions and get close to bears to take photos and videos. Their advise — stay away from bears, as they are dangerous animals.

If visitors continue to disregard directions to stay away from bears at Taylor Creek, the Forest Service may close the area for public safety.