September 27-October 3, 2009
updated as often as possible
Fascinating Bear Fact
Bears are capable of standing upright on their hind legs. They stand unaided to observe or increase sight distance, to fight, and to reach to feed, prey or mark. Bears do not attack in this position, though they may raise their upper body to better reach and grasp their prey or enemy. The American Black Bear can walk bipedally, but only for a few steps.
Bear Incidents
| Location |
Last week |
This year |
| Parking lots |
0 |
73 |
| Campgrounds |
0 |
177 |
| Other areas |
5 |
181 |
| Wilderness |
0 |
28 |
| Total |
5 |
459 |
In addition, there have been 54 incidents of bears obtaining food from trash cans or dumpsters.
Number of incidents last year
To date: 390
Total: 453
Total property damage this year is $64,085. So far this year, incidents are up 18% compared to the same time last year, but down 68% since 1998.
Activity Update
Bear incidents started slowing down in mid September. During this same time last year, bear incidents were low, as well. However, last year bear incidents picked up again in October.
Bears have been frequently sighted along Yosemite Creek near the Tioga Road in the past few weeks. A crop of acorns from Huckleberry Oak and some berries seem to be attracting bears to that area. Bears generally found in Yosemite Valley have been found at higher elevations over the past couple of weeks. This week two of those bears returned to Yosemite Valley.
Bears have been sighted this week in all Valley Campgrounds, Housekeeping Camp, Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge, and residential areas. Bear sightings and incidents have increased in El Portal in the past few weeks.
SLOW DOWN!
Twenty four bears have been hit by cars this year! Seventeen bears were hit by cars last year, along with an unknown number of deer, squirrels and other park animals. Slow down and save Yosemite’s wildlife.
Let us know if you see a bear, no matter where it is or what it's doing. Call 209/372-0322 or send an email.
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).
