Bear activity in the El Portal area has increased in the last several weeks. It seems that one particular bear has learned to open car door handles and is entering vehicles in search of food. On one occasion, the bear became trapped inside a vehicle and was found sleeping in the backseat in the morning. Please remember to remove all food, trash, and scented items from your vehicle. At this point, the bear is not breaking car windows to get inside vehicles, so we recommend locking your car doors. Please report any property damage, bear sightings, or suspicious bear activity to the Wildlife Office, 209 372-0476, or leave a message on the bear hotline, 209 372-0322.