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Yosemite National Park Merced River
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Yosemite National Park
Bear Facts
 

October 1, 2011
updated as often as possible

Fascinating Bear Fact
Bears in Yosemite are getting ready for winter by consuming as many as 15,000-20,000 calories per day and drinking several gallons of water. Acorns are a great source of food for bears this time of year.

Bear Incidents

Location Incidents Damage
Parking lots 18 $10,560
Campgrounds 41 $2,125
Other areas 41 $2,462
Wilderness 10 $678
Total 110 $15,825
In addition, there have been 26 incidents of bears obtaining food from trash that was left out or from unsecured trash cans or dumpsters.

Number of incidents last year
To date: 464
Total: 512

So far this year, incidents are down 76% compared to the same time last year, and down 92% since 1998.

Activity Update
PLEASE SLOW DOWN! This week 3 bears were hit by vehicles on various roads throughout the park. Two of these bears were confirmed deaths including a sow and a cub that were hit and killed. Please drive the speed limit and pay attention to possible animals in the roadway.

This week, a bear got food out of a cooler that was strapped to the roof of a van at Happy Isles during the day. Please store food properly at all times of day, and never leave food unattended, even if you plan to be away just a short while.

SLOW DOWN!
Fifteen bears have been reported hit by vehicles so far in 2011. Please obey speed limits and pay attention while driving! Twenty eight 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.

Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.


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).

This bear wants your food.
Food Storage
Protect wildlife and your food: store food properly!
more...
Crying cub face
Bear Biology
Cubs start out life at just 1/2 pound
more...

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Cars and campers in a meadow in Yosemite Valley.

Did You Know?
Unrestricted camping is no longer allowed in Yosemite Valley because of damage it causes. The placement of campgrounds and campsites has changed over the past 75 years in response to a growing understanding of river dynamics, geologic hazards, and the park's natural and cultural resources.

Last Updated: October 05, 2011 at 17:32 MST