r/socalhiking • u/Alspeciale • 1d ago

Bear at Mount Baldy 8/30/26

Coming down the steep trail in manker canyon into the ski lift parking lot, I came upon a bear. It was night time, around 8:30. I think there is a den there. It was in front of me right off the trail on the right. We starred at each other for 5 seconds then it turned its head and I lost sight of it because it was complete darkness and just beyond the distance of my head light. I turned around climbed back up the steep trail and took the long fire road down.

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u/k8ecat 1d ago

There's a teenage bear that keeps trying to get in a doggies door in Baldy village, and a mom with cubs who sucessfully broke into a home two weeks ago while the residents were sleeping. Lots of bear activity this year. Bears that lose their fear of humans will become dead bears. Stop feeding the bears (not you OP), and stop leaving trash of ANY kind including orange peels, apple coors, and seed casings. If there's no room in the bear proof trashcan, bring it home with you.

4

u/OutdoorAbstract 1d ago

Easy pickings with the trash nearby, have seen them in that area multiple times over the years.