05/28/2026
A reminder from your Six Rivers National Forest recreation team: please always place trash INSIDE bear-proof trash bins… never next to them.
Recently on the Mad River Ranger District, someone left bags of trash beside a bear-proof dumpster overnight. A bear got into the garbage before recreation crews could arrive the next morning. Even if one bin appears full, please check nearby bins.
When bears learn campgrounds are an easy source of food, they can become habituated to people. That puts visitors, staff, and ultimately the bear at risk. In some cases, habituated bears may have to be removed or euthanized.
A few extra steps from all of us can help keep wildlife wild and our campgrounds safe for everyone.
✔ Use bear-proof bins properly
✔ Never leave trash or food unattended
✔ Double check your campsite before turning in for the night
Thank you for helping protect wildlife on the Six Rivers National Forest.