These are the largest animals seen in the Mokelumne River Recreation Area. Few visitors actually see these animals as they try to avoid contact with humans. While you should always keep your eyes open, the biggest problem with these large animals is when you invite them into your campsite by not properly storing food. There are currently no “bear proof” containers in the area. Additionally, there are no trash bins of any type available. However, as most visitors drive to their campsites, the best place to store food “before and after” eating is in your vehicle. If you have a trunk, that is the best place. Remember to always keep food and garbage sealed, even if it is inside your vehicle.
The following is a summary of each of the most popular large animals you may see. Please see the best way to deal with these animals in the links provided.
- Black Bears: Black Bears are the most likely candidates
to visit you in your campsite if you don’t take precautions. Beware that even if you do take precautions, your campsite neighbors may not, and even if they did, you may still get unwanted visitors. Never approach Black Bears and if you do see one, give it a wide berth. If you see a bear with cubs, don’t get between them or try to touch the cubs. Doing so may make you their source of protein. Here is what the Forest Service has to say about the Bear Facts. 
Mountain Lions: Healthy Mountain Lions will generally try to avoid contact with humans. However, many of the attacks that made the news have come from mountain lions that have contracted distemper from dogs which seems to remove all fear of humans. Be aware that Mountain Lions will lurk in high places like on top of rocks and in trees. The favorite food of mountain lions are deer. There are many deer in the area so stay alert. According to the Mountain Lion Foundation, if you do encounter a mountain Lion, make yourself large, stay together including leashing and keeping dogs close, make noise, never turn away and be aggressive, but never bend over (stay large). Back away slowly, making sure you’re not backing into any cubs. If attached, fight back with everything you have, sticks, rocks and anything you can find to strike with and at all times, try to protect you neck, the favorite target.
Bobcats: Bobcats are not considered a danger to humans due to the rarity of attacks. Know that they generally don’t show fear of human. Fantastic hunters, they favor rabbits and rodents, but have been known to go after deer. If you encounter one, best to give it plenty of room. If a Bobcat does display aggressive behavior toward you, it should be considered extremely dangerous as these attacks generally happen when the bobcat is rabid. A bobcat will also be extremely aggressive if it has a new kill and you try and approach them, or come up on them unexpectedly. Like the mountain lion, bobcats are known to rest and observe from high places, especially trees. More Bobcat Information.
