I’ve been fascinated by bears for as long as I can remember. I’ve hiked dozens of times through bear country in various places, but I’d never actually seen one up close—aside from a few on a tour in Alaska or glimpsed from a distance along the roadside. That all changed when I spent a couple of months in Mammoth Lakes, California, a town with a truly unique relationship with bears.
Mammoth Lakes: A bear-friendly mountain town
Mammoth Lakes is a mountain town sitting at nearly 8,000 feet, making it the highest incorporated city in California. It’s famous for winter sports and hiking, but it’s also known for its bears. The city is said to have around three dozen of them, and if you spend much time here, running into one isn’t all that unusual.
What makes the bears in Mammoth Lakes really interesting is that the town actually has a resident bear whisperer. His name is Steve Searles, and for many years he’s gone around town keeping the peace between humans and bears. He developed some creative, non-lethal techniques to protect the bears—things like firecrackers and loud noises, stomping his feet, or even making bear sounds himself.
He got to know the bears and their personalities so well that if the city or police called him, he could step in, work with authorities, and make sure the bears left safely while keeping people out of harm’s way.
It looks like Steve’s contract may have ended around the time of COVID, probably for budget reasons, and it’s not clear if it’s ever been renewed. But he still seems to maintain a presence in the area. Either way, it’s pretty fascinating to think of a bear whisperer in a mountain town, spending his week helping the bears stay out of trouble and keeping their distance from people.
Our encounters with the bears
All of our bear encounters in Mammoth Lakes happened at night, and we had a handful of them. Most of the action was right in our condo complex. We were located pretty close to a dumpster, and at night we’d sleep with the window partially open to stay cool—and, honestly, to hear the bears clanging on the dumpster, clawing through debris. Sure enough, when we looked out, there he was, standing there, making a mess while trying to score some food.
Another time, in the morning on our way to a trailhead, we saw a bear casually cross the main road and start wandering around the outside of a grocery store—heading straight for the dumpster, of course. You do have to be careful, though. On one occasion, we were walking the dog when a bear appeared out of nowhere. It ended up running off, but it was definitely a reminder to stay alert!
Related: Mammoth Lakes’ Earthquake Fault: A Mind-Blowing Natural Wonder
I know black bears are generally less aggressive than grizzlies, and they usually want to avoid humans. So for the most part, you don’t have to worry about being ambushed.
That said, these things are about five times stronger than a person, and they definitely have the power to do serious damage. The key is showing them respect and avoiding bad timing—like getting between a mother and her cubs or cornering a bear. That’s when things can go south.
Whenever we filmed or got footage of bears, we made sure to stay inside our vehicle or shoot through a window in our condo. Staying smart and keeping your distance is a big part of safely enjoying bear country.
Another big part of staying safe is being careful about what you leave in your vehicle.
Anything with a scent can attract bears—even things you might not think about, like air fresheners, chapstick, or, of course, food. I’ve even heard that just having a cooler in your car can be enough to tempt a bear—especially one that’s learned to get food from campers’ coolers—and it could smash your windows. The rule is simple: use common sense, keep your distance, and don’t give bears a reason to get curious.
That said, I think Mammoth Lakes might be one of the best places to actually see bears.
There are so many of them, and thanks to the work of their bear whisperer, a lot of the bears are conditioned to avoid people—which probably makes it a bit safer to encounter them. When I first got there, I spent plenty of time hiking trails and around lakes and didn’t see a single bear, but in the city, that as a different story….
It’s a really unique experience, and I have to say, Mammoth Lakes is just a wonderful place to watch these incredible animals in their own environment.
If you want to see more of what makes Mammoth Lakes so special, I’ve put together a free map that highlights all the best spots to visit—including where we spotted several bears (our condo).
Final word
Spending time in Mammoth Lakes gave me a new appreciation for black bears and the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. The town’s unique approach—with its resident bear whisperer and a community that respects these animals—makes it one of the few places where you can safely witness bears up close.
Whether you’re hiking, exploring, or just strolling through town, there’s a real sense of wonder in knowing these incredible creatures are sharing the space with you. Just remember to stay smart, keep your distance, and enjoy the experience—seeing a bear in Mammoth Lakes is something you won’t forget.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
