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Residents urge city to press California Fish and Wildlife over bear depredation decisions, ask council for local tools
Summary
Multiple residents and Bear League volunteers asked the council to pursue ordinances, education and a working group to reduce human‑bear conflicts and to require homeowner prevention measures before depredation permits are granted.
A string of public commenters told the South Lake Tahoe City Council that recent field traps and depredation permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife risked killing non‑aggressive bears and urged the city to pursue local prevention measures, education, and interagency advocacy.
Scott Bay, a board member of the Bear League, asked the council to “consider adopting some kind of program requiring homeowners to take basic preventative measures before a depredation permit can be issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” and cited Fish and Wildlife Game Code and California Code of Regulations guidance the department uses when issuing depredation permits.
Responders and volunteers said habituation to human food—unsecured garbage, unlocked vehicles and open windows—drives bear intrusions into neighborhoods and that a stronger code enforcement and education effort would reduce removals and deaths. Kathy Zolinger, who identified herself as a Bear League responder, asked to be included on any local working group because responders frequently handle calls and gather field evidence.
Several residents, including Melissa Soldston, told the council they had tried to shepherd a mother bear and cub back into meadow areas and objected to lethal removal. Soldston said local tactics such as sirens and aggressive enforcement push bears deeper into populated areas and urged the city to press for nonlethal responses.
Council members asked staff to return with options and a legal analysis describing what the city can and cannot do locally, and to include input from the Bear League and other stakeholders. Staff agreed to prepare a report that outlines the state role (California Department of Fish and Wildlife), local policy levers, and possible ordinance or educational measures the city could pursue.
The council did not take immediate regulatory action at the meeting but directed staff to bring back the analysis and options for council consideration.
