Wildlife in Your Neighborhood

Living with Wildlife

Tahoe Donner is nestled in a wild-land-residential interface area, which means that residents can come in contact with a variety of wildlife including deer and natural predators to the area such as coyote, bears, bobcats, mountain lions and bird of prey.

Residents should avoid contact with all wildlife, as their actions cannot be predicted. Should they feel threatened, wildlife may present aggressive behavior, including charging and attacking.

Tahoe Donner urges all members and guests to respect our wildlife neighbors and follow a few key best practices to reduce unpleasant animal encounters in and around your personal property:

• Keep all garbage, food and other items like laundry detergent, lotions, etc. locked in enclosed containers.
• Clean out food and food wrappers from your vehicles. Close vehicle windows and secure doors when not in use.
• Do not leave your garage door open with trash and/or other items available for animals. Keep your house secure.
• Barbecue grills should be kept clean.
• Keep bird feeders off decks and inaccessible to bears.

For more bear awareness information, you can visit the Town of Truckee’s Bear Awareness page and the Tahoe Wild Bear Council.

Wild animals don’t need your handouts. They need your respect. 

Tahoe Donner also promotes Keep Me Wild, a campaign started by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) which advocates proper storage of food and never to feed wild animals. Feeding wild animals only encourages them to remain near populated areas and change their natural tendency to avoid people.

Recent Coyote and Other Wildlife Activity

There are recent reported sightings of active coyote packs and footprints of other predators in the meadows and greenbelts of Tahoe Donner on walking trails such as the Nature Trail near the Northwoods Clubhouse and Trout Creek, and areas around the golf course. Wildlife managers from CDFW have communicated with Tahoe Donner regarding these sightings and provide the following advice.

Preparedness Tips:

• Always use caution when outdoors in the region and expect to come in contact with wildlife.
• Be aware that wildlife predators are in the area and keep pets and children within eyesight.
• If you or your pets are approached by an aggressive or fearless coyote, try to frighten it away by shouting in a deep voice, waving your arms, throwing objects at the animal, and looking it directly in the eyes. Stand up if you are seated. If you are wearing a coat or vest, spread it open like a cape so that you appear larger. Retreat from the situation by walking slowly backward so that you do not turn your back on the coyote.
• If coyotes are seen near your home, teach your children to identify them, recognize the potential for danger, and know what to do if they come in contact with a coyote.
• If you encounter a mountain lion or bear, do not run. Stand your ground, keep eye contact and make yourself look bigger, perhaps using your jacket or backpack.  Then slowly back away.
• Should you experience a situation where you believe your life or another’s is at risk of aggressive or immediate danger from wildlife, immediately contact 911 to gain appropriate assistance through emergency dispatch.
• Report wildlife sightings or nuisances to California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Use their online reporting system to report a wildlife incident (property damage and/or nuisance activity)
• The Town of Truckee Animal Services can also help to route animal sightings, questions and concerns. Visit their website online or call the Town of Truckee’s non-emergency dispatch line (530)550-2320.