Police Warn Electric Forest Festivalgoers: Watch Out for Bears, Not Just Bass Drops

If you’re heading into the woods for Electric Forest this weekend, local police have a slightly unusual heads-up for Forest festivalgoers: be on the lookout for bears.

No, not that girl in a bikini with bears on. I mean real life, want to eat out of your cooler, bears.

With tens of thousands of music lovers preparing to descend on Rothbury, Michigan, for the annual four-day celebration of music, lights, and all things funky, local law enforcement is reminding attendees that they’re not the only ones wandering the woods.

A black bear was recently caught on camera rummaging through a trash can in nearby Whitehall just days before the festival.

While it’s not a bear’s natural instinct to chase basslines, the snacks left behind by distracted humans might be too tempting to resist. (And can you blame them for trying to enjoy the vibe and Louis the Child?)

Festival organizers are prepared, with an official app that includes safety alerts, maps, and real-time updates. Local police suggest downloading the app and brushing up on wildlife safety before you hit the forest floor.

And if you do happen to spot a bear? Stay calm, speak softly, and do not run away from it. Try to make yourself look large and back away slowly, and maybe don’t try to offer it your leftover Island Noodles.

Next: Former Forest Attendees Share their Craziest Stories from Previous Fests ⬇️

Electric Forest runs now through Sunday, June 22. For more information on coexisting safely with bears, visit BearWise.