Bear-proof canisters required

San Francisco Chronicle, May 24, 2001

Bear-proof food canisters or metal food lockers are required this year for campers in both wilderness and drive-in sites at Yosemite and Sequoia- Kings Canyon national parks and Inyo National Forest. Do not keep your food in your vehicle. Last year, more than 500 cars were broken into by bears in search of food in Yosemite Valley.

At Inyo National Forest, canisters are required in the backcountry at Mount Whitney, Duck Pass to Purple Lake, Mammoth Lake/Rush Creek, Onion Valley/Kearsage Pass, Bishop Pass/Dusy Basin, Little Lakes Valley.
Food canisters are available for rent at park and forest offices, and local outdoors stores. Yosemite, (209) 372-0200; Sequoia-Kings Canyon, (559) 565- 3341; Inyo National Forest, (760) 873-2400.