Bear Facts

July 6, 2025

updated as often as possible

Bear Incidents

Location

Wilderness: 2

Campgrounds: 10

Parking lots and roadsides: 1

Residential: 3

Other areas: 11

Total: 27

Number of incidents last year: 34

So far this year, incidents are:

• up by 170% compared to last year
• up by 170% compared to the year with the fewest incidents (2019)
• down by 93% compared to the year with the most incidents (1998)

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).

Activity Summary

Bears are active throughout the park. Bears are shifting from eating early season sedges, grasses, and grubs to soft mast including berries and other fruiting plants. Mating season appears to have ended at lower elevations. June was a busy month for bears in Yosemite Valley with ten reported incidents of bears obtaining unsecured human food. Most of these occurred in Curry Village, where guests did not properly close and latch their bear-resistant food storage lockers. There were several additional incidents of a bear obtaining human food in White Wolf Campground. Keeping food in hand or locked away is the best way to protect bears in Yosemite National Park. In campgrounds and tent cabin areas, this means keeping food locked inside a closed and latched locker when not in use. Bears that obtain human food can become dangerous or aggressive and may be killed to protect public safety.

The first confirmed vehicle break-in by a bear occurred this month in Yosemite Valley, causing $2,460 in property damage. Visitors, residents, and employees are reminded that it is illegal to keep food store inside a vehicle overnight in Yosemite. Food to a bear is any item with a scent or that contains calories. During the day, all food in vehicles must be stored out of sight. Please remember to roll your car windows all the way up and lock your car doors. Never leave food/ice chests outside your vehicle ( i.e. truck beds or strapped to a carrier). The lives of Yosemite bears depend on it!

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.

Slow Down!

Nine bears have been hit by cars this year. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.

Fascinating Bear Fact

While only black bears live in Yosemite today, historically both black and brown bears were found in the Sierra Nevada. Where both species coexist they typically live in lower population densities than in the same ecosystem type where black bears live alone.

Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.

Other Wildlife

Coyotes have been active in Yosemite Valley. Please be sure to leash pets at all times to keep wildlife and your dog safe! It is the law!