May 23, 2026 – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park officials issue a safety warning on keeping your food properly stored when visiting.

How can we keep bears and park visitors safe together? Proper food storage and trash disposal!

The most effective action for bear and human safety is to store food and scented items properly. Storage boxes are available in picnic areas, campgrounds, and some trailheads. If there isn't a storage box nearby, ensure food and scented items are hidden and locked inside your vehicle - do not leave food in open truck beds.

Black bears are curious and will attempt to get human food. The more food they are able to obtain, the bolder they behave, which is why proper trash disposal is also very important. When disposing of trash, ensure the bear resistant lid is completely closed. If the bin is full, please do not leave trash piled up around the area.

Give bears space and if you see a bear obtaining food or trash, please report it at a visitor center.

Pictured l-r: A black bear explores an unsecured trash bin. Discarded disposable coffee cups on the ground outside of a trash bin.

Source & photos: NPS