Bear Encounters and Property Damage Surge in California National Parks

American black bears are causing a significant increase in incidents and property damage within California's Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, prompting officials to issue warnings to visitors. Bear-related incidents have risen by 125% since 2020, with property damage costs surging by 1,800% year-to-date to $17,358, compared to $898 in the same period six years ago.

Park records indicate a rise in total incidents from 158 in 2020 to 356 by late September 2026. This surge coincides with the bears' pre-hibernation feeding period, during which hundreds of bears actively forage for calories before entering their dens between October and December.

The parks, which attract over 1.5 million tourists annually, are experiencing these heightened interactions as bears become bolder. Unsecured dumpsters and bins have been linked to 61 recorded incidents, while 19 involved bears accessing food from campsites, picnic areas, and vehicles. These incidents highlight a growing problem of human carelessness contributing to bear activity.

Beyond property damage, the increased bear activity has led to dangerous situations on park roadways. Since 2020, 18 bears have been injured and four killed in vehicle collisions across areas like Giant Forest, Halstead Meadow, and Cedar Grove. In 2024, a bear cub had to be euthanized after suffering severe injuries from a hit-and-run incident.

Park authorities attribute the fluctuating visitation patterns, influenced by past pandemic closures, wildfire disruptions, and recent winter mudslides, as factors contributing to the rise in human-bear interactions over the past seven years. During this period, six bears have been euthanized due to conflict behavior, and two human injuries have been reported.

Park Superintendent Woody Smeck emphasized the importance of visitor vigilance. "Black bears in our national parks are wild, beautiful animals," Smeck stated. "We ask visitors to admire them from a safe distance and to secure food and other scented items." He advised visitors confronted by an aggressive bear to remain calm, stand their ground, make themselves appear larger, and shout loudly, stressing never to run from a bear.