Encountering Wildlife While Biking in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is prized for its beautiful natural features. The lakes, mountains, rock formations, and pine trees create the most beautiful scenery in the world. South Lake Tahoe nature is also home to a variety of animals and if you are getting out on the trails on your bike, you will likely encounter some of the local wildlife at some point.
Most wildlife sightings are harmless and you can simply enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat. But there are certain animals that can be dangerous and you will want to be aware how to handle a wildlife encounter so that both you and the animal can leave safely.
What to Do If You Come Across a Wild Animal in South Lake Tahoe?
There are many wonderful animals living in South Lake Tahoe that you will almost never need to worry about. Squirrels, raccoons, deer, and birds will make frequent appearances while you are biking. Just avoid approaching them and stick to viewing wildlife from afar. Also, you should never feed wildlife as this can harm them and make them more aggressive.
These strategies are also the best way to deal with larger animals, as well as staying calm. Animals will react with a natural fear response, and staying calm will be your greatest advantage in the encounter. None of the wildlife in South Lake Tahoe actively goes after people. Animals are usually generally more afraid of you than you are of them.
But these animals can attack if they feel threatened and those attacks can sometimes be dangerous. Since there is a decent chance that you might surprise a bear or coyote if you come around the corner quickly or spot a snake while stopped for a snack, you will need to know what to do to protect yourself if you come across any of these animals.
Black Bear Encounters in South Lake Tahoe
Black bears are the only local bear species in South Lake Tahoe. Despite being the one of the larger wildlife species in the area with females reaching up to 250 pounds and males reaching up 350 pounds, they have a 85% plant based diet and prefer to stay clear of humans.
The exception is that some black bears have developed a dependency on human food, which makes the bears more adventurous. Mother bears who have young cubs in the spring and throughout the summer will also be more aggressive as they seek to protect their cubs.
If you come across black bear while biking, you will want to do the following:
Stop Your Bike - When you come upon a bear, it will likely be startled. Your goal is to give the bear time to gather its bearings and run away. You should not try to bike away since a bear can likely run faster than you can bike. After your bike is stopped, dismount.
Start Talking to the Bear - Use a calm and measured voice to talk to the bear. This establishes you as something not worth going after, but still not a threat.
Put the Bike in Front of You - Slowly move so that your bike is between you and the bear. In the very rare event that the bear decides to charge, this will provide an extra barrier.
Start Backing Away - Holding your bike, you can slowly move away from the bear. Moving uphill is better if possible because it allows the bear to take the easier escape downhill.
Remain Calm - A black bear may stand up on its back legs to smell you better and assess whether or not you are a threat. The bear also might woof and pretend to to charge you. Continue talking to the bear calmly and do not run.
If the bear does charge, try to appear as big as possible and make a lot of noise to make yourself seem like more of a threat. Do not play dead as that will not stop the bear. Most often, the bear will be more than happy to retreat in the other direction.
Another concern you should be worried about with bears is if they try to get into your car to get any food you have stashed there. Bears have very powerful noses and can scent out food and toiletries and will break a window to gain access to your car. Remember to practice beer safe storage methods wherever you are in South Lake Tahoe.
Mountain Lions
Despite mountain lions being very common in the state of California, there are only about six mountain lions living in the Lake Tahoe Basin. If you do come across one while mountain biking anywhere, you want to appear as big and intimidating as possible.
Start shouting, stamping your feet, and waving your arms wildly. If you can lift your bike up over your head, do so. This will generally scare off a mountain lion or other big cat.
Coyotes
Coyotes are a frequent nighttime wildlife species in South Lake Tahoe, but are rarely a concern for cyclists. Most coyotes will run away as you approach and you can help encourage them by appearing big and making noise.
Snakes
The Great Basin rattlesnake can be found in the spring and summer around Lake Tahoe up to the timberline. It often hides out in rocks and grassy areas. While the rattlesnake is not common, it can be very dangerous if you do come across one as rattlesnake bites generally require hospitalization, and in extreme cases, can cause death.
If you come across a rattlesnake, or any snake, while out on your bike, you will want to back away. Jumping back quickly will keep you clear of a strike if you are walking. If you are on your bike and the snake is across the trail, you can either look for another way around or you will need to dismount your bike and wait for the snake to move. Throwing rocks near the snake, but not at it, can help herd the snake off the trail if you need to, but usually this is a good time to take a break and watch wildlife in action.
Dogs
Another animal that you are likely to come across on Lake Tahoe trails are dogs. Many local homeowners have dogs and others will hike with their dogs, including some who do so off leash. Not all dogs are comfortable with bikes and some dogs may be territorial if you are biking nearby their yard.
If a dog approaches you on your bike, it can be dangerous for you and the animal. The collision could knock you off your bike and not all dogs are friendly.
Do not try to outrun the dog since that can fuel the dog's instinct to chase. Instead, get off your bike and stand with the bike between you and the aggressive dog. Hold yourself confidently and shout a common command like “No” or “Go home” and point in the direction that dog came from. Most dogs will understand these commands and either turn back or at least let you leave the area.
As long as you practice these techniques and generally stay back from any wildlife you do see, whether it is one of these or another animal, you will stay safe on the trail. Also, remember to bring your camera so you can snap some photos or videos when you spot wildlife - once you are far enough away, of course.
If you want to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nature and wildlife by bike, the best way to get out is on a rental e-bike from Pine Nut Cycle Cafe. We rent bikes and e-bikes in South Lake Tahoe that can take you all of the surrounding trails, with high quality bikes and affordable rental prices to ensure that you can see as much of Lake Tahoe and our local nature as possible. Check out the bikes we have available and reserve yours online.
