Hi,
I am concerned about bears showing up at campsites in the sequoia national forest. Is it safe to take a family with young kids? Have there been recent attacks? Is it common to have bears come through the campsites? Even if they don't attack, this would be unsettling for the family. Thanks.

My personal experiences with black bears in California is: they are looking for food; we don't leave food out and we don't eat or leave food in our tents; they will destroy an ice chest - even when no food is inside; don't get between momma bear & her cub;

We have experienced quite a few bears over the years but I realize the black bears are different than the brown bears found in other areas.

I will notice what type of garbage cans are at a campground to determine if bears are a problem. If there are bear proof lockers and garbage cans, I will use a little more caution around the campsite.

The best way to discourage bears from hanging around your camp is to store ALL food and things that might be mistaken for food in the bear lockers. This includes toothpaste, scented lotions, and anything that has been used to store and might still have a lingering scent on it. This would include candy or granola bar wrappers and the like.