Tahoe Bear Fest 2025: Celebrating Wildlife at Spooner Lake State Park

Tahoe Bear Fest Returns for a Weekend of Wildlife Education

SPOONER LAKE, Nev. – Anglers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts will have a chance to learn about, and celebrate, Tahoe’s iconic black bears at the 2nd annual Tahoe Bear Fest, held Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spooner Lake State Park. This free, family-pleasant event, hosted by the tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT), aims to foster coexistence between humans and bears through education and engaging activities.

The festival will bring together wildlife professionals, land managers, and community groups for a day dedicated to understanding and respecting the region’s bear population. Attendees can expect a variety of interactive booths and demonstrations from participating organizations, including the U.S.Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit,California Department of Fish and Wildlife,Nevada Department of Wildlife,and many more.

Every half hour, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., presentations will be held in the amphitheater focusing on bear biology, behavior, and safety. Additionally, Carson City parks, Recreation & Open Space will lead guided “Bear Walk” hikes along the Spooner Lake Trail at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., offering a deeper dive into bear habitats and ecology.Food and refreshments will be available for purchase, with Nevada State Parks providing hot dogs and hamburgers and Red White and brew Coffee offering hot and iced coffee options.

The Tahoe interagency Bear Team was formed in response to escalating human-bear interactions within the Tahoe Basin. By increasing public knowledge on how to properly secure food and trash, this collaborative effort strives to minimize conflicts and ensure the continued health of Tahoe’s black bear community.

Those interested in participating as a vendor can find a Vendor Packet and submit an application at parks.nv.gov/events/2025-tahoe-bear-fest. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 16.

Parking at Spooner Lake State Park is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. The event is designed for open attendance – visitors are welcome to arrive and depart at any time between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

What actions can homeowners take to prevent bear intrusions, as demonstrated at the Tahoe Bear fest?

What is Tahoe Bear Fest?

Tahoe Bear Fest is an annual event dedicated to celebrating black bears and promoting responsible coexistence with wildlife in the Lake Tahoe Basin.Held at the scenic Spooner Lake State Park, the festival offers a unique blend of education, conservation efforts, and family-friendly activities. The 2025 festival, scheduled for september, promises to be bigger and better than ever, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and families from across the region. This year’s focus is on bear-proofing homes and understanding bear behavior during the fall hyperphagia period.

Event Details & Schedule (September 9th, 2025)

The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at spooner Lake State Park. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Opening Ceremony & Bear Safety Presentation: Experts from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will discuss current bear activity, safety tips for residents and visitors, and the importance of proper food storage.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Educational Booths & exhibits: Explore interactive booths featuring information on:

Bear Biology: Learn about the life cycle, diet, and habitat of black bears.

Bear-Proofing Techniques: Discover practical methods for securing your home and property against bear intrusions. This includes demonstrations of bear-resistant trash cans and electric fencing.

Wildlife Conservation: Understand the challenges facing bear populations and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

Local Organizations: Connect with local conservation groups and learn how to get involved.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Guided Nature Walk: Join a park ranger for a guided walk through Spooner Lake State Park, focusing on bear habitat and signs of bear activity. This is a great opportunity for wildlife viewing (from a safe distance!).

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Kids’ Zone Activities: Fun and educational activities for children, including bear-themed crafts, face painting, and storytelling.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Live Music & Food Vendors: Enjoy live music from local artists and sample tasty food from a variety of vendors.

Spooner Lake State Park: A Prime Bear Habitat

Spooner Lake State Park is strategically located within a key corridor for black bear movement.The park’s diverse ecosystem provides bears with abundant food sources, including berries, acorns, and insects. Its proximity to residential areas also increases the potential for human-bear conflicts, making education and preventative measures crucial. The park itself offers stunning views and hiking trails, making it an ideal location for a festival celebrating these grand creatures. Consider exploring the Tahoe Rim Trail access points near the park for additional hiking opportunities.

Bear Safety Tips for Visitors & Residents

Living and recreating in bear country requires vigilance and responsible behavior. here are some essential tips:

Food Storage: Never leave food unattended, even for a short period. Store all food, garbage, and scented items (like toiletries) in bear-resistant containers or inside a vehicle with windows rolled up.

Trash Management: Use bear-resistant trash cans and secure lids tightly. If bear-resistant cans aren’t available, store trash indoors until collection day.

Keep a Clean Campsite: Clean up all food scraps and spills immediately. Dispose of garbage properly.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Make noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Never Approach a Bear: Maintain a safe distance (at least 100 yards) from bears. If you encounter a bear, remain calm and slowly back away.

pet Safety: Keep pets on a leash and under control. Bears may view pets as a threat.

The Importance of Coexistence: Conservation efforts in the Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Bear Fest isn’t just a festivity; it’s a vital part of ongoing conservation efforts. Organizations like the NDOW, CDFW, and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) are working to:

Reduce Human-Bear Conflicts: Implementing bear-proofing programs and educating the public about responsible behavior.

Monitor Bear Populations: Tracking bear movements and assessing population health.

Protect Bear Habitat: Preserving and restoring critical bear habitat.

* Promote Responsible Waste Management: Encouraging the use of bear-resistant trash cans and proper waste disposal practices.

Understanding Fall Hyperphagia

As autumn approaches, bears enter a period of intense feeding known as hyperphagia. This is a critical time for bears to build up fat reserves for the winter hibernation.During hyperphagia,bears are more active and driven by their need to consume calories,which can lead to increased encounters with humans as they search for food. Understanding this