Is Bear Lake water safe for dogs?

While dogs are welcome to play and swim along the shoreline of Big Bear Lake, it's important to monitor their fun. Keep an eye on how far they're swimming and be sure they can safely return to shore. Never let your dog drink the lake water or scum along the shorelines.



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Bear Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Idaho-Utah border in the Western United States. About 109 square miles (280 km2) in size, it is split about equally between the two states.

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There are no current health advisories for this water body. Conditions may change quickly. Check before entering the water and know how to spot a harmful algal bloom.

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Located near St. Charles, Idaho, Bear Lake North Beach just might be the best beach at Bear Lake. It's definitely one of the most popular, so make sure you get there early before they stop letting people in. Spend your time with friends and family swimming, kayaking, or water skiing.

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Looks Good! There are no current health advisories for this water body. Conditions may change quickly. Check before entering the water and know how to spot a harmful algal bloom.

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PUBLISHED: June 23, 2023 at 5:30 a.m. | UPDATED: June 23, 2023 at 11:27 a.m. This year, the severity of toxic algae in lakes has decreased in the Inland Empire. Two lakes — Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake — have been hit by the algae known as cyanobacteria once again, but this time the levels are much lower.

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Big Bear Lake has been listed as a “mercury impaired” reservoir by state health and water authorities. Mercury is absorbed by bacteria and transformed into an organic form known as methylmercury.

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Bear Lake contains abundant suspended microscopic particles of white-colored calcium carbonate (lime) that reflect the water's natural blue color back to the surface, giving the lake its intense turquoise-blue color.

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Bear Lake is beautiful -- but resist the urge to jump in, or else you may come face to face with an alligator! Swimming is prohibited here for this reason, so keep your pupper well away from the shores at all times.

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People will see trumpeter swans escorting their broods through the emerald-green marsh and feel gratified that mule deer, moose, badger, beaver, trout, garter snakes, and leopard frogs will have homes for a long time to come here at Bear Lake NWR.

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