Campers at Martis Creek Lake Alpine Meadows Campground near Truckee are being warned to take precautions to avoid contracting plague.

The Army Corps of Engineers put up warning signs this week as well as insecticide treated bait stations. The goal is to kill the fleas that can carry the disease.

Plague is naturally present throughout California.

Tips to avoid contracting the plague:

• Do not feed any wild animal.
• Do not touch sick, injured or dead rodents.
• Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
• Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent with DEET on socks and pant cuffs to reduce flea exposure.
• Don’t allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or rodent burrows.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report