Be Bear Aware

Black bears are found in California mountains. For the most part, bears usually stay away from people. Some areas are more prone to bear problems due in large part to the overpopulation of tourists and abundance of food provided by them. Some California National Parks are particularly notorious for their brazen bear populations. Concentrated bear problems are sometimes posted so be very aware.
Follow some simple rules:
Keep a very clean campsite
Clean up all dirty dishes & beverage containers (especially before bedtime)
Keep clothing & sleeping bags free of food odors or heavy scents
Stay away from cubs, there is sure to be a mother in close proximity
Try not to hike alone. Make noise & sing on trails to scare away any unwanted animals.
Bear storage canisters are available at sporting good stores & at stores in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite National Parks.
Bear Canisters for your food

Please lock all food in the provided metal bear lockers when available.
Food Storage:
Store food in closed up automobile, not visible. Store food correctly: in trunk of your car, or hidden from sight; in campground food lockers where available.
Toothpaste, deodorant & anything that has a scent should be thought of as food and stored accordingly
Backpackers should hang food in nylon bag & drape over weak branch in high in tree: hang your food using the counterbalance method. Ranger who issues your wilderness permit can explain the hanging procedure;
2 stuff sacks (with drawstrings) for your food, and 50-60 feet of medium weight cord. 2 carabiners make hanging much easier.
tips from Total Escape
As for storing food inside cars:
If I am primitve car camping on a dirt road area that does not have campgrounds or bear lockers, I store food in my SUV convertible vehicle on the front floorboards with towel over it - with the car alarm set. Any large animal trying to break in for food will get blasted with alarm noise & run away, plus the noise will wake us up.

If a bear does get into your camp area:
Make as much noise as possible: yell, bang pots/pans, whistle, air horn
Raise your hands up to appear larger
Get your entire camp group together, join hands and spread out everyone at the camp should be outside the tents in order to be as effective as possible
Throw rocks & small objects
Try to get to your car for protection & honk the horn
If a bear charges at you, drop to the ground and curl up in a tight ball. Cover your head, face and vital areas. Play dead.
If you encounter a bear on a hiking trail:
·Make as much noise as possible while walking. Hum, sing, talk to the birds.
If a bear approaches: stand still, slowly retreat, say a few calming words in a friendly voice and never make eye contact
If a bear charges at you, drop to the ground and curl up in a tight ball. Cover your head, face and vital areas. Play dead.