Overview | The Team | Goal & Objectives | Progress | Statistics
Bear Smart Three Rivers, CA
The foothill community of Three Rivers, CA is the cherished home of humans and some very smart American Black Bears. Join us in creating a joyful, litter-free environment where bears and people thrive together.
The Bear Smart Three Rivers Team
In 2021, an all-volunteer team gathered to solve the Three Rivers garbage problem once and for all. Its mission is to develop and implement a community action plan to solve the problem effectively and affordably by adopting the proven solutions implemented by other communities. Today the team comprises thirteen volunteers with expertise in communications, education, project and program management, data analysis, government engagement, volunteer coordination and…. of course… bears!
Our Goal
Peacefully coexist with our bears by adopting effective and affordable solutions that have been proven successful in other communities.
1
Reduce Garbage-Based Food Sources
Reduce garbage-based food sources through the mandated use of affordable certified bear-resistant containers or enclosures that have been proven effective.
2
Engage in Education and Outreach
Educate residents, property owners, businesses, and visitors about bear behavior, bear safety measures, and the steps we all must take to minimize human-bear conflicts.
3
Establish a Monitoring System
Establish a robust monitoring system to track sightings and incidents, conduct incident response, and alert residents of the presence of bears so that action can be taken to secure food and attractants and haze the bears if necessary.
4
Develop an Effective Response Plan
Work with government organizations to establish an effective and timely response system for bear-related incidents.
5
Implement a Common-Sense Ordinance
Enable and support bear smart practices by implementing an ordinance and enforcement mechanisms that have been proven effective in other communities.
Making a Difference
Explore the stories of community volunteers who are making our goal a reality.
Making our Voices Heard
Hundreds of community members signed a petition and sent emails asking the county to collaborate on a solution. Their voices were heard. Read more…
Education and Outreach
The Bear Smart team is creating stickers for carts and educational packets for STR owners, managers. and guests. Donations are welcome! Read more…
Incident Tracking & Response
Volunteers have reported, logged, and responded to hundreds of incidents. The team has as started loaning out electric mats to community members. Read more…
Full Bear-Resistance
After meeting with the Bear Smart Team, the county has agreed to provide certified bear-resistant recycling and landfill waste carts. Read more…
Implementing an Ordinance
While team members are helping ensure the new ordinance emulates successful ordinances, others are helping STRs comply with existing code. Read more…
Achieving Affordability
Communities across the U.S. have achieved the same goal affordably. The community is advocating use of some of the tax dollars it generates. Read more…
Three Rivers by the Numbers
17
Bears
As many as 17 bears, including 7 cubs, have been sighted in Three Rivers in 2025. Two of this year’s cubs are believed to be dead, and we have confirmed two injured adult bears.
<2000
Residents
The number of full-time residents in Three Rivers has been declining due to the increase in short term rentals.
1,300,000
Visitors
Three Rivers is the primary gateway for Sequoia National Park, which received 1.3 million visitors in 2024. About 75% of the human-bear incidents have involved visitor trash.
326
Incident Reports
This summer, there have been about 219 reports of garbage access, 34 reports of attempted access with adverse impact, 5 reports of structure entry, 2 reports of attempted structure entry, 1 report of livestock attacks, 3 reports of property damage.