Yosemite warns: “Improper food storage may result in impoundment of your food or car,
a fine of up to $5,000, and/or revocation of your camping permit.”
The Yosemite National Park rangers would like you to call them
if you see a bear in Yosemite,
no matter where it is or what it is doing.
Since 2003 there has been a note in the Yosemite Guide: “REPORT ALL BEAR SIGHTINGS! To report bear sightings, improper food storage, trash problems, and other bear-related problems, leave a message for the Bear Management team at: 1 (209) 372-0322. Your call can be made anonymously.”
If you can, in all the excitement, try to notice if the bear has a tag (usually on the ear), the color of the tag and if possible, the number on it (the tag is large enough that with a telephoto lens you should be able to read the number).
From the Yosemite Daily Report newspaper:
“It is extremely important to remember to yell at bears that are in and around development, even if they are foraging on natural food. Though it is very tempting to get close for a picture, or just to watch these incredible animals, it is important not to give into this urge. Yelling at them if they are in residential areas or near people is critical to keep bears natural fear of humans. Giving bears plenty of space. When bears become too comfortable around people, they will often start causing damage to structures and vehicles, or will even become too bold around people, creating safety concerns.”
And the Yosemite Daily Report also said:
“Scare bears when you see them. . . in developed areas- Yell like you mean it!
Make as much noise as possible, try waving your arms, stomping your feet
or anything to make you look intimidating and to get the bear to run away.
We know it’s fun to see bears and it can feel mean to scare them,
but this is a simple way to truly help save a bear’s life.”
includes:
Human-Black Bear Incidents in Yosemite Valley,
Black Bear Food Habits in Yosemite Valley,
Evaluation of Bear-Proof Food-Storage Containers in Yosemite National Park
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Using Global Positioning System Technology to Manage Human-Black Bear Incidents at Yosemite National Park
(Rachel L. Masur, Ryan M. Leahy, Caitlin J. Lee-Roney and Kathleen E. Patrick)
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol12/iss3/8/
” . . . Yosemite has an extensive history of black bear research, educational programs, and innovative solutions for reducing human–bear incidents. Despite this, human–bear incidents peaked in 1998 at 1,584. The resulting political fallout led to Yosemite receiving funds to expand its bear management program, including increasing its staffing and garbage pick-up, and improving the park’s bear-resistant infrastructure. In 2011, Yosemite reached a milestone when it recorded only 114 human–bear incidents—a 93% decrease from the 1998 high. To sustain this lower level of incidents while facing shrinking budgets and increasing visitation, bear managers turned to more modern technology. From 2014–2018, we evaluated the effectiveness of using global positioning system (GPS) collars to manage bears more proactively, increase staff and public engagement with bears, and gain insight into the bears’ spatial and temporal movements. The GPS collars were effective in achieving these goals, while also improving both our time management and our communication with park management. By the end of November 2018, Yosemite had recorded only 22 human–bear incidents—a 99% decrease from the 1998 high. The GPS collars are now an integral part of the Yosemite bear management program. We provide recommendations on how GPS technology may help other parks reduce human–bear incidents.”
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Preservation of a Healthy Black Bear Population in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range through Interagency Cooperation , at the Yosemite Association nature notes page, has this intro:
“Keeping one step ahead of bears intent on getting your food is a job now being carried out cooperatively by several Sierra land management agencies. Their goal is to get bears out foraging for roots and grubs, rather than your backpack or ice chest. The guiding principle of the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group is to never underestimate an animal you can teach to ride a bicycle…”
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At bears you will find:
links to general info about bears,
then practicalities of camping and backpacking around bears, (Food Storage , what to do if you see a bear, how bears get into cars, info for backpackers) and lots of stories about bears getting into cars, tents, camps, etc., mostly geared towards De Anza College Outdoor Club trips around bears in California (especially Yosemite National Park) and Grand Teton National Park.
And the answer to the question:
Why don’t the rangers just move the problem bears?
and the question:
How can I keep a bear out of my campsite? (You can’t, but you can (almost always, see notes below and at bears) keep it out of your food.)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report, November 18, 2023
Yosemite Bear Facts — Oct 29-Nov 4, 2023
2023 Total Bear Incidents: 32
2023 Total Property Damage: $10,600
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2023):
Last year (2022) – down by 16%
Most Incidents (1998) – down by 98%
Fewest Incidents (2019) – up by 45%
Bear Activity Summary: Black bears continue to be active in Old El Portal and Yosemite Valley and are preparing for winter by eating as many calories as they can find. At least three different bears have been taking advantage of excellent grape forage and acorns in El Portal. This has resulted in bears spending many hours in close proximity to roadways and in and around residential areas. Bears have been observed crossing Highway 140 numerous times in the last week. In Yosemite Valley, bears have been finding late fruit and what little acorns they can. This year in Yosemite Valley, black oaks produced very few acorns and live oak acorn production was below average. As a result, bears have not been foraging in their typical Yosemite Valley locations this fall and have instead mostly focused their fall feasts at higher elevations (above 6,000’) on late season berries like manzanita and acorns from oaks in higher elevations.
As bears prepare for hibernation they are eating up to 20,000 calories every day. They will take advantage of any food they find. It is extremely important to keep unoccupied buildings secured (all windows and doors latched or locked), keep all food stored in bear lockers when camping, keep your vehicles clean of all food, drinks, and other attractants like toiletries or gum, only use bear proof dumpsters and trash cans to throw away your food waste, and keep your backpacks and food with you while out enjoying the park.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. Seventeen bears have been reported as being hit by a car in Yosemite this year.
Fascinating Bear Facts: A bear’s prehensile lips allow them to bend and grasp, making them the perfect tool for delicately (or not) pulling berries, acorns, and other fruit off trees, vines, and shrubs.
Other Wildlife: Coyotes become more day-active in the winter, and are more likely to travel together in search of food and mating opportunities.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
For more information about Yosemite’s Bears, please visit: www.KeepBearsWild.org (C. Lee-Roney)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report, October 24, 2023
“Happy Halloween! Help Us Protect Wildlife
In preparation for hibernation, each fall bears eat up to 20,000 calories every day – that’s like eating nine large cheese pizzas, about 35 medium bean and cheese burritos, or 93 Snicker’s bars every single day! In terms of a bear’s natural diet, that’s more than 11 pounds of acorns, or 100 pounds of berries.
Bears looking for food, particularly this time of year, can be attracted to residential areas by many natural food sources (acorns, fruit, wasp nests) and if resident’s food and/or attractants are not properly stored, they’ll take advantage of that too. Bears exposed to human food, or just used to being in residential areas can quickly become food conditioned (meaning they’ve learned to associate people or development with food), or habituated (in which they lose their natural fear of people, often getting dangerously close to people or homes). They may even start entering homes for food…which can quickly become dangerous for residents and bears alike.
Residents and visitors alike need to be especially vigilant in keeping their food secure from bears this time of year. Please be aware that pet food, open windows or doors in unattended buildings, overflowing trash and recycling, kitchen compost heaps, bird feeders and any other food or attractants left out can lead bears to change their foraging habits and behaviors.
Keep vehicles clean of food and attractants (we had our fist vehicle break in in over a year last week). Your actions can directly keep bears wild and out of trouble!
Halloween Bear Reminder – Pumpkins and Candy
Pumpkins are food! In recent years, bears in Yosemite have eaten pumpkins off of people’s porches! Please help by keeping your pumpkins inside your home or by getting fake reusable pumpkins to decorate the outside of your home (keeping the real ones indoors). Please do not leave out bowls of unattended candy on Halloween for trick-or-treaters. If you won’t be home but still want to leave a treat for the kids, please look into fun treats that aren’t food that you can safely leave out while also protecting wildlife.”
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
“Yosemite Bear Facts — Aug 27 – Sept 2, 2023
2023 Total Bear Incidents: 26
2023 Total Property Damage: $10,020
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2023):
· Last year (2022) – Up 18% in incidents, up 633% in property damage
· Most incidents (1998) – Down 98%
· Least incidents (2019) – Up 30%
Bear Activity Summary: Bears remained very active on the Yosemite Valley floor in August. As the raspberries dry out in late summer, black bears are starting to eat other fruit such as non-native cultivated apple trees. Last month park employees and volunteers picked over 1.5 tons of non-native apples to prevent bears from coming into developed areas to eat these non-native foods. When bears spend time in development (even eating natural food), they can lose their fear of people or possibly obtain human food. The significant effort spent picking non-native fruit goes a long way to keep bears from entering developed areas and keeping bears wild.
Bears obtained unsecured human food at least twice in Yosemite Valley in August. One incident was in Curry Village, where a bear entered an open locker and obtained bagels and sandwich rolls. The following day, the same bear obtained ramen from an occupied Housekeeping Camp tent cabin. This is an example of how quickly a bear’s behavior can escalate when they get human food. If the bear had not obtained food from visitors in Curry Village, the bear may not have then entered an occupied tent cabin looking for more food. Visitors are reminded to treat your food storage locker like a refrigerator—even if you are nearby, food storage lockers should always be kept closed and latched except for when you are actively taking food out or putting food away. Turning away from your food for a second can change the trajectory of a bear’s life. Proper food storage means keeping food within arm’s reach at all times if not locked away. Proper food storage at all times is critical to protecting bears and visitors in Yosemite National Park.
There were an additional seven incidents in the El Portal administrative site in the last week of August and first few days of September. A bear obtained dog food and birdseed left outside on two occasions by a resident and then caused property damage to multiple other buildings. Bears that obtain food at a location will often continue to return and cause damage to access more food. Residents are reminded to close and latch all windows and doors when they are not home—bears are active day and night but this bear has obtained most of its people food from unsecured homes in the middle of the day. Residents should also remove attractants from around their homes—feed pets indoors, remove bird feeders, keep trash and recycling secured inside a building, and pick fruit from fruit trees. Residents and visitors are also reminded to yell aggressively at any bear inside areas of development because wild bears should not feel comfortable in these areas.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Eight bears have been reported hit in August in Yosemite National Park for a total of fourteen bears reported hit so far this year. Three of these bears have been confirmed killed by vehicle strike in 2023. Please slow down especially around blind corners and in weather! Speeding kills bears.
Fascinating Bear Facts: The oldest wild American black bear recorded was 39 and a half years old when she died in Minnesota.
Other Wildlife: Voles comprise almost 90% of the diet of great gray owls (Strix nebulosa).”
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
April 25, 2023
(El Portal is off Highway 140 on the southwestern boundary of Yosemite National Park, and has a lot of Yosemite employee housing.)
“El Portal Bear Activity – Urgent Information For Residents
A bear has entered and damaged four vehicles this week in Old El Portal, getting food from two of them. A bear has additionally broke into sheds, and has obtained unsecured food including compost in the neighborhood. Once a bear gets food, like getting food from a car, that behavior is near impossible to change. Bears remember food sources and will continue to use those sources throughout their lives. Food to a bear includes anything with a scent or calories. This includes things like pet food, bird seed, drinks, toiletries, gum, trash, recycling, and compost.
Residents of El Portal you can help save bear’s lives.
Remove ALL food and scented items from vehicles daily. Lock your car doors – this bear is getting in by simply opening the doors of unlocked cars. Once inside the bear is causing considerable damage.
When you are not home, remember to close and latch/lock all windows and doors. When you are home at night, close the windows and doors of all rooms that are not occupied on the first floor – pay special attention to those in and near the kitchen.
Remove attractants from around your home. Feed pets indoors, remove bird feeders and don’t use them in places where bears also live, keep trash and recycling secured inside a building. Sheds are not bear-proof (and neither are many garages) these places are not the best place to store food/attractants.
If you see a bear in the neighborhood, yell loudly and aggressively to scare it away. They should not feel comfortable near people or residences. Scaring them when they enter neighborhoods helps keep them wild and is critical to their protection.
If a bear is attempting to enter your home or car call dispatch immediately (209)379-1992
Report non-urgent sightings to yosebear@nps.gov, or by leaving a message for wildlife management (209)372-0322.”
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
January 25, 2023
Winter Bear Activity
We have had a great winter full of storms and snow. Generally people assume once it snows the bears are hibernating, but they aren’t all hibernating this winter! Bears won’t always hibernate if they have enough food to make it through the winter. This year was a big acorn year for certain species of oak trees, so bears are still eating enough to sustain them. There are still at least three active bears in Yosemite Valley and one in El Portal. This means that bears are likely still active in other areas in and around the park too.
Please remember that proper food and garbage storage is required year-round (anything out needs to be within arm’s reach of a person). You can help by keeping vehicles clean, dumpsters clipped, and keep track of any food you have with you in the park. Please report any food storage issues or bear sightings to the Wildlife Management staff (email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov, or call the Save-A-Bear Hotline 209-372-0322). More information about bears can be found at keep bears wild .
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts September 1-17, 2022
2022 Total Bear Incidents: 25
2022 Total Property Damage: $1792
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2022):
Last year (2021) – Down 50%
Most incidents (1998) – Down 98%
Fewest Incidents (2019) – Up 19%
Bear Activity Summary: As summer starts to cool down in Yosemite, black bears are preparing for winter. Bears in the Sierra Nevada will soon enter hyperphagia—a state where bear appetites increase dramatically and they will eat as many as 20,000 calories and for as many as twenty hours per day to put on weight for the winter. This increased appetite can push bears to look for food where people are.
There have been two incidents since late August of bears entering buildings including an unsecured garage and an exterior storage closet. It is extra important this time of year as the outside temperatures drop to make sure buildings are secure to prevent bears from breaking into buildings. Residents and visitors of Yosemite can protect bears by ensuring that windows and doors are closed and securely latched whenever occupants are not home. Remove window AC units whenever the room is unoccupied. Do not leave open windows unattended overnight, particularly in or near the kitchen.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year six bears have been hit by vehicles in Yosemite. Help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in the roadway.
Fascinating Bear Facts: Even though bears mate in the early summer, the fertilized embryo does not implant in the mother bear’s uterine wall until fall. This is a reproductive strategy to make sure that the mother bear has enough fat storage to carry a litter to term.
Other Wildlife: Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are entering the rut (mating season) in Yosemite. Bucks are shedding their velvet, sharpening their antlers, and are more prone to aggressive behavior this due to hormonal fluctuations. Be sure to stay a minimum of 25 yards or two shuttle buses away from any deer. (C. Lee-Roney)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts July 23, 2022
2022 Total Bear Incidents: 11
2022 Total Property Damage: $597
Bear Incident Comparisons (Year to date – previous years compared to 2022)
Last year (2021) – Down 71%
Most Incidents (1998) – Down 97%
Bear Activity Summary: Bear activity has increased on the Yosemite Valley floor as raspberries, apples, and other fruit has come into season. July has been the busiest month of 2022 so far for bears with five reported incidents. Two incidents involved bears obtaining human food from backpackers who left their food canisters open and outside of arm’s reach. A bear got food from an open bear box in a campground and a sow got food from an unattended haul bag at Chapel Wall. Bears obtained human food an additional eight times from garbage left outside of bear-resistant dumpsters and trash cans in Yosemite Valley picnic areas.
How can you save a bear’s life? Keep any food, drinks, trash, and recycling stored properly or within arm’s-reach at all times. Never approach wildlife (maintain a distance of 50 yards from bears) and do not allow a bear to get your food. This includes daytime and nighttime as well as frontcountry and wilderness areas. In the backcountry, carry a portable bear-resistant food storage container and keep it closed and latched unless you are actively using it and it is within arm’s reach. Day hikers should keep packs on their backs or within arm’s reach throughout the day. While it is fine to watch bears from a distance of 50 yards, backpackers should yell aggressively to scare any bears away from backcountry campgrounds or dispersed campsites, or any time a bear approaches. In the frontcountry, never leave your food unattended even for a few moments. When you leave, trash must be placed inside a bear-resistant dumpster/trash can or be taken with you. If you see a bear in a picnic area, beach, or any other area of development yell aggressively at the bear.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Speeding kills bears! Be sure to mind the speed limit and slow down around blind curves. Five bears have been hit so far in 2022.
Fascinating Bear Facts: The one extant species of bear in Yosemite National Park (the American black bear, Ursus americanus) is found only on the North American continent.
Other Wildlife: Mid-summer is baby season in Yosemite National Park. Please do not touch juvenile animals (especially baby birds, ducklings, and deer fawns) and leave them where you find them. Parents will often leave young in search of food but will return. Touching or moving wildlife is illegal and decreases young animals’ chances of surviving into adulthood.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov. In emergency, call 911.
For more information about Yosemite’s Bears: www.KeepBearsWild.org (C. Lee-Roney)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts — May 1-7, 2022
2022 Total Bear Incidents: 2
2022 Total Property Damage: 62
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2022):
Last year (2021) – down by 33%
Most Incidents (1998) – down by 99%
Fewest Incidents (2019) – up by 100%
Bear Activity Summary: Bears are out of their dens and are active on the Yosemite Valley floor. Bears have been seen frequently browsing in meadows and on trails surrounding the valley. Bears have been spotted mating in the Yosemite Valley recently—black bears in the Sierra Nevada usually mate between May and June.
The first two incidents of year took place in April, including a bear obtaining human food from a hiker along the Merced River below Vernal Fall, and a bear entering the bathroom at Vernal Fall footbridge on the Mist Trail. Bears are very active on the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail corridor south of Nevada Fall. Because of the amount of foot traffic in this area, it is important to yell aggressively and loudly if you see a bear on these trails (especially if it is approaching people).
While a bear in a developed or highly used area may not be a threat to your safety, bears that learn to tolerate people being close may become habituated, learn to associate people with food, and then become aggressive. Stay back a minimum of 50 yards from all bears and keep any food either in hand or within arm’s reach at all times in Yosemite.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least one bear has been hit by a vehicle in the last month in Yosemite.
Fascinating Bear Facts: Even though black bears are members of the order Carnivora, 80% of the diet of Yosemite black bears consists of vegetation, seeds, nuts, and berries during springtime.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts — September 12, 2021
2021 Total Bear Incidents: 44
2021 Total Property Damage: $2,929
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years):
– Last year: +100%
– Most Incidents (1998): -97%
– Fewest Incidents (2019) : +120%
Bear Activity Summary: Bear incidents in Yosemite have slowed in the last week. For the first time in 13 weeks there has not been a single bear incident. However, numerous reports of bears are continuing to be received all over the park. In El Portal, there has been an increase in reports of bears in all residential areas likely drawn in by late summer fruit. During this time it is extremely important to secure your homes and remove any attractants from your yard (clean dirty barbeques, pick fruit from trees, store pet food indoors, etc.) to keep bears away and prevent them from investigating your home.
In Yosemite Valley, an elevated number of reports has been received of bears on the Mist Trail. One bear even used the railed steps to come down from the top of Vernal Falls during the middle of the day. If you run into bears on trails, give the animal plenty of space and protect your food—do not abandon it. Given the many heavily populated, narrow, switchbacking trails in the park – it is easy for a bear to quickly become surrounded with no exit if it is not given proper space. Always try to maintain 50 yards from a bear, even if that means backtracking and waiting for the bear pass. If the bear approaches you (closer than 50 yards) yell as loudly as possible and try to scare the bear off.
Report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts – August 21, 2021
2021 Total Bear Incidents: 39
2021 Total Property Damage: $2,290
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years):
Last year: +129.4%
Most Incidents (1998): -96.51%
Fewest Incidents (2019) : +116.7%
Bear Activity Summary: In the last month, bear incidents have risen significantly in frequency and severity. Several residences in both Yosemite West (just outside the park) and Wawona were broken into by bears. In Yosemite Valley, there were major incidents involving a sow and cubs getting large food rewards after entering buildings at Curry Village and The Ahwahnee. Multiple bears this month have been targeting picnic areas and beaches, often showing up only to have people abandon their food, resulting in these bears learning that they can continue to get food this way. Videos on social media has shown this bear behavior, as well as visitor behavior as alarming—taking pictures and videos from mere feet away from the bear while allowing it to eat their lunch, reinforcing the behavior in these bears and ultimately putting these bears lives in danger.
It is critically important that you – whether you’re a Yosemite visitor, employee, or resident – respect the rules that protect wildlife. Giving wildlife space is critical, even if an animal seems to be comfortable near you. A bear that is allowing people to get close is no longer displaying natural behaviors—and the more people that take advantage of this reduced fear for their own enjoyment, photo opportunities, or just the thrill of being close to a wild animal, the less fearful a bear will become. Your actions (feeding or getting close to wildlife) may seem minimal, but even these small actions can ultimately get a bear killed.
Whether you live in the park or are visiting, it is absolutely crucial right now to secure your homes, work buildings, hotel rooms, etc. in all areas of the park. Do not leave windows open in unoccupied buildings. Do not leave food unattended at a picnic or beach. If a bear approaches you, yell as loudly and aggressively as possible to scare it away as soon as you see it. Do not try to get a good photo first. As drought conditions persist and resources continue to dry out, bears are desperately seeking food, and a human-food reward during this time will drastically change that bear’s behavior for the rest of its life.
Report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov. For more information, visit KeepBearsWild.org
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least 15 bears have been hit by vehicles this year in Yosemite. (C. Lee-Roney)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts — June 27-July 3, 2021
2021 Total Bear Incidents: 15
2021 Total Property Damage: $830
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years):
• Last year: + 650% (note: with park closures, bear incidents didn’t pick up until July 2019)
• Most Incidents (1998): – 96%
• Fewest Incidents (2019) : + 50%
Bear Activity Summary: Raspberry season is here and bringing with it a massive influx of bears to Yosemite Valley. We are seeing a huge increase in bears entering development and getting close to people in their search for food, particularly since many of the best berry patches are in and around the areas where people walk or gather. Bears are initially coming in for the berries but finding left out or unattended human food, leading to a big uptick in bear incidents and food conditioned behavior from bears. When bears get used to people they can lose their natural fear/avoidance behaviors which can lead them into trouble. Getting food from people only quickens this dangerous pattern.
Beaches and riversides in particular have been hot spot for incidents; with bears grabbing unattended backpacks with food and even approaching people sitting with their food. If you find yourself in this kind of a situation yell loudly and make as much noise as you (and your group) can. Try to pack up your food and move away with it if the bear isn’t deterred by the yelling. Campground bear activity has also increased, with bears persistently entering the campgrounds (day and night) and having to be scared out by rangers numerous times in a row. Please help us keep these bears wild by promptly reporting all bears that are in/near development or approaching people. Please scare bears away by yelling aggressively and keeping a safe distance (>50m) from bears.
Report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov. For more information visit KeepBearsWild.org. Urgent bear issues can be called in to park dispatch (209)379-1992 for ranger response.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least eight bears have been hit by vehicles in the last month in Yosemite, one of those was confirmed dead.
Fascinating Bear Fact: Bears can run as fast as 35 mph. The average human athlete runs at around 15 mph, and the fastest known human (Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt) runs at 27 mph. Bears win.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts – June 19, 2021
2021 Total Bear Incidents: 8
2021 Total Property Damage: $268
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2021):
-Last year – up by 300%
-Most Incidents (1998) – down by 98%
-Fewest Incidents (2019) – up by 14%
Bear Activity Summary: Bear activity and incidents continue to rise. As summer heats up during this low water year, spring grasses are drying out. As a result, bears are entering developed areas including busy parking lots and occupied campsites in the middle of the day. Bears have also taken advantage by snatching backpacks by riversides as people swim.
It is always important to keep food within arm’s-reach and report any bears near development. When a bear gets food from people, it can lead to a rapid escalation in bear behavior. If you see a bear in a developed area or approaching people, yell at the bear as aggressively and loudly as possible. It is important for bears to keep their natural fear of humans and developed areas. If you see a bear outside of a developed area, please stay at least 50 yards away, and back up if you are too close.
Report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov. For more information visit KeepBearsWild.org
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least four bears have been hit by vehicles in the last month in Yosemite.
Fascinating Bear Facts: A bear’s sense of smell is believed to be the best of all terrestrial mammals, estimated to be ~2,100x stronger than ours and measured to be capable of picking up on scents 1-3 miles away. With that in mind and the population density of black bears in Yosemite being approximately 1 bear per square mile, at least 1 bear is smelling you at all times while in Yosemite.
If you are planning a trip to Yosemite with a dog, please make sure you know the rules. Many wild animals including bears, may change their behavior around dogs—even becoming aggressive. Always keep pets on a six-foot leash, and give even wildlife even more space if you are with a pet.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts November 21, 2020
2020 Total Bear Incidents: 36
2020 Total Property Damage: $ 4,651
Compared to 2019 (the lowest year on record for number of bear incidents), bear incidents are up by 63.6% and property damage is up by 253.6%.
Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents are down by 97.7%, and property damage is down by 99.3%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bear activity has significantly slowed down in recent weeks in Yosemite Valley, with most bear activity currently happening in El Portal, the park’s administrative area. Bears are still focusing their large fall appetite on the acorns that are prevalent this time of year. Recent bear incidents have involved bears ripping into roofs and sidings of structures to get at stashed acorns from woodpeckers and other animals.
It is extremely important to remember to yell at bears that are in and around development, even if they are foraging on natural food. Though it is very tempting to get close for a picture, or just to watch these incredible animals, it is important not to give into this urge. Yelling at them if they are in residential areas or near people is critical to keep bears natural fear of humans. Giving bears plenty of space. When bears become too comfortable around people, they will often start causing damage to structures and vehicles, or will even become too bold around people, creating safety concerns.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least seventeen bears have been hit by vehicles this year in Yosemite, and at least five of those died.
Fascinating Bear Facts: Sows give birth to their cubs in their dens in the winter. The number of cubs they have is dependent on how much weight they have put on over the summer and fall. Though one or two cubs is typical, a particularly fat sow may have three or more cubs!
For more information visit KeepBearsWild.org
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 1 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts October 11-17, 2020
2020 Total Bear Incidents: 29
2020 Total Property Damage: $4,198
Compared to 2019 (the lowest year on record for number of bear incidents), bear incidents are up by 31.8% and property damage is up by 219.2%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents are down by 98.0%, and property damage is down by 99.3%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears have been busy in Yosemite Valley, mostly eating acorns from the black oaks which seem to be producing a lot of food for all kinds of park wildlife. Four bear incidents occurred in the park this week, all in Yosemite Valley. One bear got food from picnickers at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area and also from people at Swan Slab climbing area. There were also two incidents in park housing this week. One incident involved a bear ripping siding off of a house going after a wasp nest, and another involved a bear damaging a camper shell on a truck in an attempt to get in for an attractant.
There are many bears in Yosemite Valley right now, so please remember to store your food properly and to report bear sightings and incidents. If you see a bear in the park please give the bear plenty of space—at least 50 yards—more if the bear is reacting to your presence. Bears drawn into the Valley for plentiful natural foods (like acorns) can easily become habituated to human presence leading to problems later in the bear’s lifetime. With Halloween approaching, remember that pumpkins are food! Do not leave them out in the park or other areas with bears.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least fourteen bears have been hit by vehicles this year in Yosemite, and at least five of those died.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts — August 16-22, 2020
2020 Total Bear Incidents: 17
2020 Total Property Damage: $ 2,778
Compared to 2019 (the lowest year on record for number of bear incidents), bear incidents are down by 5.6% and property damage is up by 127.7%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents are down by 98.5%, and property damage is down by 99.4%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears incidents slowed this week, with only one incident occurring in the wilderness at Snow Creek. There were three bear incidents the previous week including a bear ripping shingles from the side of a house in order to get at a wasp nest, a bear eating sandwiches that were left unattended near the Ahwahnee Hotel, and a bear that got into a backpack along the Panorama Trail while the owners were too far away. Remember that proper food storage in Yosemite includes being within arms’s reach when your food is not otherwise stored legally (this generally means in a bear-resistant food storage locker or container, or in a closed up vehicle if it’s daytime).
Food sources are transitioning, and so are bears. Many bears headed to higher elevations in recent weeks in search of food now that the Valley’s mid-summer abundance of fruit has come to a seasonal end. As autumn nears, bears will increase the amount of food they eat each day in preparation for hibernation. This additional natural drive to eat can make them particularly sneaky or bold at getting food from people this time of year.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. At least ten bears have been hit by vehicles this year in Yosemite, and at least four of those died.
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Yosemite Bear Facts—July 26 to August 1, 2020
2020 Total Bear Incidents: 12
2020 Total Property Damage: $ 2,155
Compared to 2019 (the lowest year on record for number of bear incidents), bear incidents this year are down by 7.7% and property damage is up by 114.5%.
Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents this year are down by 96.9%, and property damage is down by 98.8%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears continue to be very active in Yosemite this week. As some early summer food sources dry up (raspberries, grasses) others become available (manzanita berries, acorns). With this change in food, bears tend to spend some time moving around searching for the next thing to eat. It is often during these times when bears get a little more curious or bold about human food and can get into trouble.
This week a bear got a substantial amount of food from visitors at Swinging Bridge picnic area. People were present but they were not able to keep the bear out of their food. Rangers arrived and were able to scare the bear away. The following day the same bear damaged an unoccupied tent in a campground. Later in the week another bear tore into a bike trailer that had food stored inside. Additionally bears have been seen near residences on multiple occasions this week. Visitors and residents alike need to remember to store food properly, and yell and make noise when they see a bear near a developed area.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. This week a bear cub was hit and killed on the Wawona Road, and a yearling was hit and killed along the Tioga Road. At least five bears have been hit by vehicles this year, with three of those bears dying on scene.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts—July 12 to July 25, 2020
2020 Total Bear Incidents: 7
2020 Total Property Damage: $ 1,360
Compared to 2019 (the lowest year on record for number of bear incidents), bear incidents this year are down by 41.7% and property damage is up by 36.7%.
Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents this year are down by 98.2%, and property damage is down by 99.2%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears have been active across the park in recent weeks. Though the majority of Yosemite’s bear incidents have occurred in Wilderness areas this year, much of the recent bear activity and sightings have been concentrated in Yosemite Valley where the ripe berries have drawn bears down to a plentiful food source. Other recent hot spots include Tuolumne Meadows and Snow Creek. At Snow Creek, a bear approached a campsite and destroying a tent and sleeping bag while people were present. Another bear is testing food storage containers to see if they are latched properly by knocking them over in the night. A bear obtained food this way at Sunrise Creek as well. This week bear got food along the John Muir Trail from a backpack that people abandoned when they saw the bear approach. This bear was also reportedly fed by people on the trail. Because of these people’s actions, this bear could alter its natural behaviors to avoid people become a threat to human safety. Please NEVER approach or feed any wildlife in the park, keep your food and backpacks with you when you see a bear, and yell loudly to scare it away.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
Documented bears hit by vehicles in 2020 — 3 (all in July)
Documented bears killed by vehicles in 2020 — 1
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts—August 25 to August 31, 2019
2019 Total Bear Incidents: 16
2019 Total Property Damage: $ 1180
Compared to this same week in 2018 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents this year are up by 45.5% and damage amounts (in dollars) are up by 31.5%.
Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2019 are down by 98.7%, and damages are down by 99.7%.
Bear Activity Summary: As days become shorter and temperatures cool off, bears enter a period of hyperphagia when it becomes critical to find and consume as many calories as possible before winter’s food shortages. Natural food sources including late berries and acorns are abundant across Yosemite, however the stress of food scarcity can cause bears to become bolder and more curious. It is imperative to follow food storage regulations day and night and to report bear sightings or damage quickly.
Five incidents have occurred over the past few weeks including: a sow and cub obtaining food from an occupied campsite in Yosemite Valley, hikers throwing their lunch at a bear at the top of Nevada Fall, a bear knocking over bear resistant food containers at Snow Creek, and a bear obtaining horse pellets from Bridalveil Creek campground.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts July 21-27, 2019
2019 Total Bear Incidents: 11
2019 Total Property Damage: $ 820
Compared to this same week 2018 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2019 are down by 11% and damage amounts (in dollars) are almost equal. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2019 are down by 97.4%, and damages are down by 99.5%.
Bear Activity Summary: July brings an abundance of berries, apples and bear activity. The wilderness has hosted most of the incidents this summer thus far. When camping in bear country, respect campsite closures and consider stacking pots and pans on your bear resistant food container(s) so that it will make noise to scare a bear away and alert you if a bear is investigating your supplies. Bear activity remains high in Yosemite Valley. Bears are foraging on raspberries, cherries and apples often near campgrounds and popular trails. Both Tuolumne Meadows and Bridalveil Creek campgrounds have had bears obtain food from the campground during the day with visitors present. It is critical to keep food within arm’s reach at all times, maintain 50 yards distance from bears, and yell to scare bears that are in developed areas or approaching people.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Five bear have been hit by vehicles this year. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. A map of bear-hit-by-vehicle hotspots, along with other Yosemite Bear Information an be viewed at www.KeepBearsWild.org.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts For June 2-16 2019
2019 Total Bear Incidents: 3
2019 Total Property Damage: $ 190
Compared to this same week in 2018 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2019 are the same as last year, and damage amounts (in dollars) are down by 57%.
Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2019 are down by 99%, and damages are down by 99.9%.
Bear Activity Summary: The beginning of June marked the first bear incidents in Yosemite including a bear attaining food from illegal food hangs at Lake Vernon, and a bear investigating canisters and attaining food at Snow Creek. When out hiking, picnicking, or camping in bear country, it is important to keep food within arm’s reach or to store food properly in a sealed or latched bear resistant food container/locker. Hanging food in Yosemite is illegal. There are multiple active bears in Yosemite Valley in and near development. Always stay at least 50 yards away from bears, avoid surrounding or blocking the animal from having an escape route, and maintain vigilance on reporting bears and practicing good food storage in the campgrounds, workplace and residential areas.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: A bear was hit by a vehicle on the Big Oak Flat Road near Foresta. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. A map of bear-hit-by-vehicle hot spots, along with other Yosemite Bear Information can be viewed at http://www.KeepBearsWild.org.
Fascinating Bear Fact: Although mountain lions are considered apex predators, black bears will often push mountain lions off their kills, exhibiting sub-dominant behavior to bears.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts November 4th – November 17th, 2018
2018 Total Bear Incidents: 20
2018 Total Property Damage: $1,875
Compared to this same week 2017 (the lowest year on record), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 43% and damage amounts (in dollars) are down by 64%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents and damages in 2018 are down by 99%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears are being seen daily in Yosemite Valley. Bears have been entering the campgrounds on a nightly basis. Over Veterans Day weekend, bears obtained food garbage on three separate occasions from campsites. Due to the large mast of acorns this fall along with a lack of precipitation, bears are expected to be active well into December (if not later).
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, 16 bears have been hit by vehicles along park roads. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals on roads.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts – August 26 to September 1, 2018
2017 Total Bear Incidents: 9
2017 Total Property Damage: $622
Compared to this same week 2017 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 71% and damage amounts (in dollars) are down by 86.9%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 99.3%, and damages are down by 99.9%.
Bear Activity Summary: There have been no bear incidents in the past two weeks. The most recent bear incident involved food that was left in backpacks in the back of a pickup truck in Yosemite Valley during the day. A sow with two cubs got the food from the vehicle. This was the first human food that these cubs obtained in their life and this incident is a perfect example of why proper food storage (both day and night) is so important. Once bears learn to associate human areas, vehicles, or people with food, they tend to continue searching those areas for food. Bears can quickly become food conditioned and/or habituated to human presence. When this happens bears can become bold, or even aggressive in their search for food. Cubs that are in contact with human food, or that become used to being around people often continue this behavior throughout their lifetime.
Bear activity in the past two weeks has shifted away form Yosemite Valley, and into higher and lower elevations. As fruit and other summer foods dwindle in the Valley, bears head to other areas to find new food sources. Often this is the time of year that bear activity picks up in El Portal, and other areas outside the Valley. Though many bears have left the Valley, some do still remain. Proper food storage throughout the park is crucial at this time of year when bears are starting to eat more to build fat stores for hibernation.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, nine bears have been hit by vehicles along park roads. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts June 17 To June 30, 2018
2017 Total Bear Incidents: 3
2017 Total Property Damage: $450
Compared to this week in 2017 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 63% and damage amounts (in dollars) are down by 39%.
Compared to this week in 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2018 are down by 99%, and damages are down by 99.7%.
Bear Activity Summary: The beginning of June marked the first bear incidents in Yosemite including a bear damaging an unoccupied tent at the Crane Flat Campground, an unattended pack in Yosemite Valley and another pack at Lake Vernon. These incidents occurred because food or attractants (items that smell including in opened or unopened packaging) were left unattended.
Even with fewer bear incidents than usual, bear activity is still relatively high throughout the park. Bears have been reported in all major areas of the park, and much of the wilderness. When out hiking or camping in bear country, it is important to always keep food within arm’s reach or to store food properly in a sealed bear resistant canister or food storage locker.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: A bear was hit by a vehicle on the Glacier Point Road. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. A map of bear-hit-by-vehicle hotspots, along with other Yosemite Bear Information can be viewed at: http://keepbearswild.org/
Fascinating Bear Fact: Bears shed calluses on the soles of their feet when they hibernate, so when they first emerge from their den, a bear’s paws are very sensitive.
Please report bear incidents and sightings. Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts—September 3rd to September 16th, 2017
2017 Total Bear Incidents: 33
2017 Total Property Damage: $2,546
Compared to this same week 2016 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2017 are up by 3% while bear damages are down by 47%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2017 are down by 98%, and damages are down by 99%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bear activity has remained relatively slow in Yosemite this month, likely because they are taking advantage of the abundance of natural foods. Bear activity has, however, picked up at the Crane Flat campground. In the past week there have been numerous bear sightings and one bear incident that resulted in a damaged tent while people were away from their campsite. Please remember that even when you don’t see a bear, they could be very near by. Store any food or scented item (including sealed items) in a secured food storage locker while camping in Yosemite. Never in your tent or vehicle.
Residents and locals (or anyone who lives in bear habitat): please remember that there is often an increase in bear incidents and sightings in neighborhoods in the fall as bears are looking for high calorie foods to fatten up for hibernation. Please keep all doors and windows closed and latched in unoccupied homes and offices. Additionally, pick any remaining fruit from your fruit trees, and make sure other attractants are not stored outside your home. Although it’s always fun to see a bear, a bear in the neighborhood is at risk getting into trouble quickly.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far, 20 bears have been hit by vehicles. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
Fascinating Bear Fact: The home range of the black bear can depend on food source availability, season, and gender. Males generally range between 8-60 square miles, while females can range between 1-15 square miles.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
Other Wildlife Sightings: Mountain lion observations have been reported recently in El Portal. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit the National Park Service website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm. (C. Lee-Roney)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts – June 11th to June 24th, 2017
2017 Total Bear Incidents: 16
2017 Total Property Damage: $1,290
Compared to this same week 2016 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2017 are up by 100% and damages are up by 76%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2017 are down by 96%, and damages are down by 99%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears continue to be active in wilderness areas in June. All reported bear incidents in the last few weeks have occurred along popular trails leading out of Yosemite Valley. Two incidents were reported after bear canisters went missing in the night at the top of the Snow Creek switchbacks. Bears can approach campsites at any time of day, so be sure to always secure food and scented items in a bear-proof container. Additionally, when camping in wilderness areas, it is advisable to place you bear canister within viewing distance of your tent and place objects on top that would make considerable noise if your canister was disturbed (think pots and pans). Curious bears can roll canisters away from campsites in the night. Additionally, certain wilderness camping areas are closed around the Snow Creek footbridge, more information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/closures.htm.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far, three bears have been hit by vehicles. This past week a bear was hit in Yosemite Valley and another near the Crane Flat gas station. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
Fascinating Bear Fact: Black bears are excellent climbers and are known to climb trees or even rock faces for various reasons including finding food, escaping danger, and even to sleep.
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts August 7-20, 2016
2016 Total Bear Incidents: 31 (with 7 additional garbage incidents)
2016 Total Property Damage: $4,734
Compared to 2015 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2016 are down by 54% and damages are up by 12%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2016 are down by 97%, and damages are down by 99%.
Bear Activity Summary: Three bear incidents occurred in Yosemite in the last two weeks, all were in wilderness areas. Two of these incidents happened at Harden Lake after toiletries and scented items were left inside a tent and a pack at a backcountry campsite. A bear cannot tell the difference between something that smells good, but tastes bad until it’s been bitten into. For that reason, protect your gear by removing anything that has a scent (including sealed food, food garbage, and toiletries) from your pack, tent, or campsite and store it in a latched bear proof container. Additionally another incident recently occurred in the LYV area after visitors stashed their packs to continue up the Half Dome Trail. The bear tore into packs and damaged gear. It is impossible to know what a bear might investigate out of curiosity. Keep all food and belongings within arm’s reach while hiking.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or email yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, eighteen bears have been hit by vehicles in Yosemite. Six of these bears were killed on impact. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
Fascinating Bear Fact: Black bears have a “mean curiosity index” of 59, beating out weasels, otters, dogs, raccoons, and cats.
Other Wildlife Sightings: A mountain lion was reported in Half Dome Village in Yosemite Valley on August 8th, and another lion was reported on the Panorama Trail the following day. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit the National Park Service website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm. (J. Trust)
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From the Yosemite Daily Report
Yosemite Bear Facts – May 27th to June 9th, 2016
2017 Total Bear Incidents: 12
2017 Total Property Damage: $945
Compared to this same week 2016 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2017 are up by 100% and damages are up by 34%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2017 are down by 96%, and damages are down by 99%.
Bear Activity Summary: Bears have been very active in wilderness areas over the last few weeks and are being seen regularly along the Half Dome corridor and in Little Yosemite Valley. This past week, bear obtained food from the Little Yosemite Campground. A bear also ate freeze dried food that campers left out in the Illilouette Creek area. This week, several bear incidents occurred at the Snow Creek Area which now has an overnight camping closure in effect. When camping in Yosemite’s wilderness, always store all food, trash, and scented items in a properly secured bear resistant food storage container. To find a list of containers that are allowed for use in Yosemite, please visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/containers.htm. This list is updated any time that there are changes to the list of allowed containers.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: A bear was hit by a vehicle on the Big Oak Flat Road. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.
Fascinating Bear Fact: Bear cubs can’t walk or see when they are first born. They start to see after 28 to 40 days, and it can take up to 5 weeks for them to learn to walk.
Report bear incidents and sightings. Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.
Other Wildlife Sightings: A mountain lion was seen near the Yosemite Valley School early one morning. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit the National Park Service website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.
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2009 Bear Management Tally: Yosemite’s Interdivisional Bear Team accomplished: 210 night patrols; 38,573 vehicle inspections; and 4,607 campsite inspections. The staff of 18 (employees/interns/volunteers) mitigated 7,862 food storage violations; wrote 1,954 food storage warnings and gave 1,065 verbal warnings; and impounded food 54 times. They set 239 bear traps; captured 21 individual bears; radio collared 12 bears; and received 25 reports of bears hit by vehicles (5 confirmed deaths). Bear activity peaked in August, with 124 incidents. In more than 535 total incidents, financial damage amounted to more than $80,000, half to cars in parking lots.
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From: http://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/upload/bearstudy-bears-reduce-2.pdf
“A total of 9,333 human-bear incidents was recorded in Yosemite National Park between 1989 and 2002. An average of 667 incidents occurred during each of the 14 years, with a maximum of 1,584 in 1998 and a minimum of 230 in 2001. ”
According to the San Francisco Chronicle: At times in the 1990s, 10 to 15 cars would be ransacked in a night. In 2000, bears broke into more than 300 cars, smashing windows, clawing doors open and ransacking the interiors.
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“From 2001 to 2007 bears broke into 908 vehicles at the following rates: minivan (26.0%), sport–utility vehicle (22.5%), small car (17.1%), sedan (13.7%), truck (11.9%), van (4.2%), sports car (1.7%), coupe (1.7%), and station wagon (1.4%). Only use of minivans (29%) during 2004–2005 was significantly higher than expected (7%). We discuss several competing hypotheses about why bears selected minivans.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/upload/bear-article.pdf
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After the first link to an interagency report, and a bear incidents summary from 2004 and 2003, this rest of this page has Park Service reports, in chronological order, from July, 2003; April 1, 2003; January 16, 2003; October 29, 2002; October 28, 1998 and November 18, 1997.
Yosemite National Park 2004 Black Bear Activity Report
Damage reports in the frontcountry: 600
Damage reports in parking areas: 285
Damage reports in campgrounds: 242
Damage reports in other areas: 73
Total number of vehicles damaged: 300
Damage reports in the backcountry: 121
People injured: 4
Bears captured: 16 (12 individuals)
Bears relocated: 3
Bears killed for management reasons: 3
(includes euthanasia of one sick bear)
Bears injured by vehicles: 16
Bears killed by vehicles: 4
(This number only includes confirmed fatalities. Includes one bear killed on Highway 140 outside the park.)
Total number of bear incidents: 721
Total amount of property damage: $108,657
These numbers reflect only those incidents that were reported. Actual numbers of damage reports and bears injured or killed by vehicles are higher.
Please report all bear incidents and sightings by calling the Save a Bear hotline at 209/372-0322.
Help keep Yosemite’s bears wild by storing your food properly!
Yosemite National Park summary of bear incidents and bear activity in 2003
Total Bear Incidents: 416
Total Property Damage: $51,359
Parking Lots 105 $35,759
Campgrounds 111 $4614
Wilderness 138 $6274
Other* 62 $4712
*Tent Camps, Businesses, Residences, Picnic Areas, Climbing Routes
Valley District 248 $40,531
El Portal District 12 $2945
Tuolumne Area 17 $1559
Big Oak Flat 1 $50
Backcountry 138 $6274
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2003) 104 incidents $39,841 damage
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2002) 176 incidents $74,975 damage
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2001) 80 incidents $27,878 damage
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2000) 306 incidents $113,331 damage
Compared to 2002, bear incidents (559) are down by 25% and damage ($85,303) is down by 40%.
Compared to year 2001, bear incidents (230) are up by 81% and damage ($32,303) is up by 59%.
Compared to 2000, bear incidents (654) are down by 36% and damage ($126,192) is down by 59%.
Compared to 1998, bear incidents (1584) are down by 74% and damage ($659,569) is down by 92%.
Adult females w/ cubs: 2
Cubs captured: 2
Yearling males: 2
Adult males: 3
Recaptures: 10
Radio Collared: 2
Relocated: 5
# killed for management reasons: 1
Bears vs. Vehicles: 14 (4 confirmed deaths) Includes bear killed on HWY 140 outside park boundary
Human injuries caused by bears: 2
From Yosemite National Park The Bear Facts (July 13 – July 19, 2003)
There are currently 19 black bears wearing radio collars in Yosemite. Last week, five radio collar signals were detected in the Valley.
Six vehicles were damaged by a bear in the Curry Village area last week, all vehicles contained food.
A large untagged/uncollared bear has been seen in Upper Pines and the Wilderness Lot, checking for improperly latched food storage lockers. Visitors have reported this bear going from site to site, banging on the locker latch. Unfortunately, the bear obtained food on at least three occasions from improperly latched lockers.
Several bears continue to obtain food from backpackers in the Little Yosemite Valley area, including the Sunrise Creek and Moraine Dome area. One bear has learned to snatch backpacks containing food from unsuspecting hikers who have left their packs on the ground while pumping water or using the restroom. Another bear has learned to intimidate campers, snatching their open bear canisters if they show signs of backing down. It is important for backpackers and hikers to always be aware of their surroundings and to watch for sneaky bears.
Let us know if you see a bear, no matter where it is or what it’s doing. Call 209/372-0322.
Note: A bear incident occurs when a bear causes a monetary loss to a person–that is, if the bear causes property damage or obtains food. Bear incidents also include cases of bears causing injury to a person (which are fairly uncommon).
Yosemite NP Daily Report 1 April 2003
PARK RESOURCES
Spring is in the Bear:
How to Protect Your Food and Yosemite National Park’s Bears
As black bears come out of hibernation this spring, they will consume over 4000 calories a day. Some bears continue to lose weight even after emerging from their winter dens and will spend most of their time looking for food.
In the springtime, bears will mostly forage on grasses and forbs. Bears will survive on grasses until the more nutritious and energy-rich berries become ripe.
Bears are opportunistic and will eat almost anything, including human food and trash. They are naturally curious and have a sense of smell that is better than any other animal. Bears can even smell canned food kept inside the trunk of a vehicle.
That is why Yosemite National Park’s black bears have learned to obtain human food in campgrounds and parking lots. They often lose their fear of humans as they get into improperly stored human food or trash that is improperly disposed of. Bears that obtain human food and garbage will continue to seek it out, sometimes showing aggressive behavior toward people while searching for food. These bears have become habituated and may no longer display the natural, wild behavior that is quintessential to seeing wildlife, like bears, in national parks.
By taking a few simple precautions, visitors can ensure that their food does not become part of the bears’ diets. “Food” includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may include items such as canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes, trash, and even empty ice chests.
Visitors staying in hotel rooms should bring all food items into their rooms. If staying in campgrounds, tent cabins, and in Housekeeping Camp, store food in the food storage lockers provided. Day use visitors may leave food in vehicles during daylight hours, but must not store food in vehicles after dark.
For backpackers and climbers heading into the wilderness, bear-resistant food containers are available for rent. These containers are the most effective way to protect bears from your food and are highly recommended.
In some areas of the wilderness, National Park Service approved bear-resistant food containers are required. Bears have quickly learned that containers are not worth investigating, even though they smell like food.
Although visitors need to take precautions while staying in bear habitat, the likelihood of seeing bears in the park remains low. Bears, in their natural state, are shy and tend to avoid human contact. They are on a constant quest for food, so it may be that visitors see the results of bear activity, but never actually see the bear. Habituated bears will wait for the right opportunity, after visitors have gone to sleep for the night, to obtain food from cars and campsites.
As Yosemite’s black bears come out of hibernation, their hunger will lead them in search of the calories they need to regain the weight they lost in the winter. Visitors to the park, by taking a few basic precautions, can help ensure that when and if they see a bear in Yosemite, it will be a wild bear.
From the Yosemite National Park Daily Report January 16, 2003.
Summary of Bear Incidents and Bear Activity in 2002
Total Bear Incidents: 559
Total Property Damage: $85,303
Breakdown of Incidents and Damage Amounts:
(Incidents / Damage)
Parking Lots 175 / $71,144
Campgrounds 190 / $7118
Wilderness 130 / $3974
Other* 64 / $3067
*Tent Camps, Businesses, Residences, Picnic Areas, Climbing Routes
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Valley District 406 / $79,906
El Portal District 6 / $103
Tuolumne Area 13 / $1,220
Glacier Point 4 / $100
Backcountry 130 / $3,974
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#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2002)
164 incidents / $70,897 damage
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2001)
80 incidents / $27,878 damage
#Vehicle Break-ins (Year 2000)
306 incidents / $113,331 damage
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Compared to year 2001, bear incidents (230) are up by 143% and damage ($32,303) is up by 164%.
Compared to 2000, bear incidents (654) are down by 15% and damage
($126,192) is down by 32%.
Compared to 1998, bear incidents (1584) are down by 65% and damage
($659,569) is down by 87%.
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Radio Collared: 8
Relocated: 5
# killed for management reasons: 1
Bears vs. Vehicles: 12 (4 confirmed deaths)
Human injuries caused by bears: 0
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Yosemite Valley Bear Captures (16 total)
Subadult females: 2
Adult females w/o cubs: 3
Adult females w/ cubs: 0
Cubs captured: 1
Yearling males: 1
Adult males: 9
Recaptures: 16
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Outside of Valley Bear Captures (2 total)
Yearling females: 1
Subadult males: 1
Recaptures: 1
Two cubs (#3824 and #2090) captured in 2001 and taken to the Idaho
Rehabilitation Center were returned to the park in January 2002. They were placed in a den near Tamarack Creek and have not been included in the statistics above. (D.Schweizer)
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Yosemite National Park News Release
October 29, 2002
For Immediate Release
Yosemite National Park Studies Black Bear Management Trends
Yosemite National Park experienced a dramatic decrease in human-bear incidents between 1998 and 2001, going from 1584 incidents to 230 incidents. However, human-bear incidents have increased to 539 to date in 2002.
Due to concerns about the upward trend this year, Yosemite National Park’s Bear Council is exploring changing trends in the number of human-bear incidents over the past five years. The council wants to better understand how Yosemite’s black bears interact with visitors and employees and how they respond to bear management practices.
The Yosemite Bear Council is composed of National Park Service employees representing each division and park partners such as Yosemite Association and Yosemite Concessions Services Corporation. The council works cooperatively to reduce human-bear conflicts and to maintain a naturally functioning population of black bears in Yosemite National Park.
Human-bear incidents reached a peak in 1998 with 1,584 incidents. The Yosemite Bear Council established the Wild Bear Project in 1999 to respond to increasing human-bear interactions.
The Yosemite Bear Council implemented multiple programs to decrease the number of incidents and to maintain a population of bears that were not habituated to humans or their food. A public education campaign informed park visitors and employees of how to behave in bear habitat and how to properly store food in Yosemite National Park. Bear proof food storage lockers and canisters were made available to visitors to help them properly store their food. Bear management techniques such as hazing bears away from developed areas like campgrounds have also been extensively used.
The Wild Bear Project has seen a great deal of improvement in human-bear interactions since it was established. Compared to 1998, incidents decreased by 87% in 2001 with only 230 human-bear incidents reported.
However, incidents have increased again in 2002 from the 2001 numbers. To date, 539 incidents have occurred in Yosemite National Park in 2002. While these numbers indicate success through The Wild Bear Project since 1999, the Yosemite Bear Council is concerned about increasing incidents in the park.
The Bear Council is exploring all options for why incidents are on the rise. The availability of black bears’ natural food sources this year, their ability to adapt to our wildlife management practices, and the possibility that park visitors need to be reminded that keeping bears wild is a long-term project that needs their continued diligence are all possibilities.
Yosemite National Park is working with the Wildlife Conservation Society/Hornocker Wildlife Institute researchers to better understand the habits of both black bears and how visitors perceive and understand the goals of bear management in the park. Through this research, the Yosemite Bear Council hopes to be able to further adapt The Wild Bear Project to have continued success.
Yosemite National Park needs to have continued support from visitors to the park. Through proper food storage and by respecting bears as wild animals, Yosemite’s black bears will become truly wild, beautiful bears.”
-NPS-
October 28, 1998
“YOSEMITE BREAKS RECORD FOR BEAR DAMAGE
Bear-human conflicts are continuing in Yosemite National Park after reaching record levels this summer. Property damage caused by black bears has exceeded $595,000 this calendar year with over 1025 vehicles broken into by bears. In 1997, approximately 900 cars were damaged by bears.
Wildlife biologists attribute the problem to the availability of human food. Park regulations require visitors to store all food and scented items in bear-proof metal food storage boxes when staying in park campgrounds or tent cabins. These boxes are located in all park campgrounds as well as some parking areas and trailheads. Once bears repeatedly get human food, they may become unnaturally aggressive. Bears that have become dangerous must be destroyed.
Three bears have been euthanized this year. Once all other courses of action have been exhausted, such as relocation, destructive bears are killed as a last resort. These animals had been regularly breaking into vehicles which did not contain food and had been charging at people.
Conflict between humans and bears date back to the 1920’s. The National Park Service has investigated different methods to reduce these interactions. This year, park staff and volunteers removed apples from non-native apple orchards. These orchards draw bears into Yosemite Valley and provide them with an unnatural food source.
Ultimately, the solution is to increase public education, expand food storage facilities, and step up enforcement of food storage regulations. These efforts, coupled with the help of the public, will decrease the availability of all unnatural food sources.”
November 18, 1997
“Property damage caused by black bears has exceeded $500,000 this calendar year in Yosemite National Park. Over half the damage has been reported in Curry Village in the east end of Yosemite Valley.
Wildlife biologists attribute the problem to the failure of some visitors to follow the park’s food storage guidelines, a lack of proper food storage facilities in the Curry Village area, and to an abundant apple crop from orchards planted by early Yosemite Valley settlers.
Once bears get human food, they continue to seek it out. When their instinctive fear of people fades, these unnaturally aggressive, destructive bears must be destroyed. One evening earlier this fall fourteen separate bears were spotted in the Curry Village parking area. Four bears have been euthanized in recent weeks as a last resort. These animals had been regularly breaking into vehicles which did not contain food and had been charging at people. Yosemite National Park Deputy Superintendent Hal Grovert noted “This action is regrettable. It certainly goes against the mission and philosophy of the National Park Service”. ”
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We watched this one for at least 20 minutes, and s/he did notice us, but we stayed still, then other not-very-quiet people came along and the bear noticed them and moved out of the meadow.
We saw where the bear was heading and had time to carefully stop oncoming traffic on southside drive before the bear crossed the road
and watched as s/he went up into the forest across the road.
The story above is from Bears
Using a campsite food storage locker gives you ideas on how to use a metal campsite food storage locker, including some logistics on sharing one in a large group.
A good way to wake up the whole campground is to set your car alarm. Then if a curious animal or clumsy person bumps the vehicle at night you’ve succeeded. (The alarm won’t keep bears out of your vehicle).
Tent walls are thin. You can wake up everybody in the vicinity when you want to get into your car and you use the keyless (remote) door opener and the car makes the usual loud beep. People don’t think to just use the key to open the door or don’t know that if you look in the owner’s manual you can find a way to disable the beep.
For a laugh, go to:
Camping Blunders