Great Basin National Park, known for its ancient bristlecone pines and deep limestone caves, is a high-desert environment that hosts a unique collection of wildlife. Many visitors are curious about the presence of large predators in this seemingly arid landscape. While the park is not known for the high bear populations found in other major national parks, the rugged terrain does provide habitat for these animals. Knowing the proper safety measures is an important part of planning a trip to the eastern Nevada wilderness.
The Presence of Black Bears in Great Basin
Bears are present in Great Basin National Park, specifically the American black bear (Ursus americanus). This species has been naturally re-colonizing parts of the western Great Basin after being locally extirpated nearly a century ago due to overhunting and habitat loss. The population is small, and sightings are infrequent compared to parks in the Sierra Nevada or Rocky Mountains.
The arid, high-elevation conditions of the Great Basin limit the density of their preferred food sources. This means the bears are often at the edge of their viable habitat, leading to lower numbers than in more lush environments. They primarily inhabit the higher elevations of the park’s Snake Range, where conifer forests, such as pinyon-juniper woodlands, provide better cover and more reliable food and water sources. Genetic studies show that these re-colonizing bears have dispersed from a source population in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, expanding their range eastward across Nevada’s mountain islands.
Mandatory Food Storage and Camp Regulations
Great Basin National Park enforces strict regulations regarding the storage of all food and scented items to protect both visitors and the bears. A bear’s powerful sense of smell can attract it to food sources, which leads to habituation and can result in the bear being euthanized. All unattended food, cooking equipment, and garbage must be sealed within a vehicle or stored in a solid, animal-resistant container. This requirement extends to anything with an odor, including toiletries, sunscreen, and empty food wrappers.
For campers in developed campgrounds, this means securing items in a closed vehicle or a provided bear-resistant food locker immediately upon arrival and whenever leaving the campsite. Backcountry campers must utilize bear-resistant food storage containers (BRFCs) or employ proper food hanging techniques, suspending all scented items at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet away from a vertical support. These preventative measures are designed to eliminate the reward a bear associates with human presence, encouraging them to forage naturally. Failure to comply with these storage regulations can result in fines.
What to Do During a Bear Encounter
Encountering a black bear is rare but requires a calm and informed response. If you spot a bear that is unaware of your presence, quietly move away in the opposite direction to avoid startling it. If the bear has noticed you, immediately identify yourself as human by talking to it in a calm voice and slowly waving your arms to appear larger. Do not scream, run, or make any sudden movements, as these actions can trigger a chase response.
A bear standing on its hind legs is usually curious, not aggressive, and is simply trying to get a better look or smell. If a black bear approaches you or follows you, stand your ground and intimidate it by shouting loudly and making yourself look as big as possible. If the bear makes contact, fight back vigorously, concentrating blows on the bear’s face and muzzle. Unlike with a grizzly bear, playing dead is not the appropriate response for a black bear attack.