But no lions, tigers

A bear attacked a backpacker on July 22 near Kearsarge Pass to get food. The man pitched his tent in the Inyo National Forest without first securing a bear canister or wilderness permit and an American black bear bit the hiker on the shoulder after sniffing his food, the U.S. Forest Service says.

The man, who suffered a bruised shoulder, reported the incident one day after it occurred and authorities could not locate the bruin. The man’s name has not been released.

Bears have not been reported in the pass since 2000, though hikers reported two more sightings in the last week.

As food grows scarce in summer, bears may pester humans for a meal. Authorities warn hikers not to camp between Onion Valley and Kearsarge Pass. Details: www.bebearaware.com.

-- Bonnie Obremski