July 6 - July 12, 2008
updated as often as possible

Bear Incidents

Number of incidents last year
To date: 51
Total: 500

Total property damage this year is $33,900. So far this year, incidents are up 6% compared to the same time last year, but down 58% since 1998.

Activity Update

Yosemite Valley
Early this week, 11 vehicles were broken into by bears mostly in the Curry Village parking lots. There were only two incidents in the Pines Campgrounds this week, although bears have been observed most nights wandering through the campgrounds. Housekeeping Camp and Curry Village both had incidents this week--mostly bears getting food from food lockers that were left unsecured.

A bear entered three homes in an NPS housing area last week. Bears easily learn how to get into houses when people leave their windows open while they are away at work or on vacation. Often these bears will become bold as they learn that food is available inside of homes.  If you live in or near Yosemite, please help to prevent this by closing your windows when you are not home, and keeping windows near your kitchen or in unoccupied rooms closed when you are not awake.

Numerous dumpsters were found unclipped this week.  Bears are able to "mail" themselves into unclipped dumpsters, but then become trapped inside.  If the bear isn’t discovered before the garbage truck arrives, the bear can be killed by compaction.  Please stop and secure any dumpsters, including the recycling dumpsters, you see unclipped–it could save a bear’s life!

Backcountry
Bear activity has picked up in Glen Aulin this week with two more reported bear incidents. The bear seems to be in the area very regularly. If you are going backpacking please remember to keep track of your food and keep it latched in your bear canister or in a food storage locker where provided. Bears are out during the day and night. Don’t forget about proper food storage during daylight hours!

SLOW DOWN!
Nine 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).