- Hi there, I'm Ranger Nicole,
and this is my friend Chewy, a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger.
If you're planning a visit to the national park
with a furry family member,
there's a few things you should know
to visit Yosemite responsibly.
And with a little help from their human companion,
your pet can also become a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger.
Wanna know what it takes?
Come on, we'll show you.
Following the B.A.R.K code will help you and your pet
visit safely so you can protect Yosemite
while you're here.
The B in B.A.R.K. stands for bag your pet's waste.
When nature calls, be sure to pick up your pets poop
and throw it away in a trash can.
Some may think that pet poop is a natural fertilizer,
but actually it can spread invasive plant seeds
and transmit diseases to wildlife.
Yosemite welcomes millions of visitors every year,
and many of them bring dogs.
So it's important to keep the park clean
for those who come after you.
The A in B.A.R.K. is for always leash your pet.
Leashes no longer than six feet are required
for pets at all times while visiting Yosemite.
Dogs that are off leash can stress or hurt wildlife.
Leashes help to protect your pet from natural predators
like mountain lions or coyotes.
Some people are scared of dogs.
A well behaved furry friend on a leash helps
to protect the experience
of other visitors enjoying Yosemite.
The R in B.A.R.K. is for respect wildlife.
Yosemite is home to over 400 species of animals.
Help protect them by always keeping your distance.
If a wild animal is reacting to you and your dog,
you're too close, move farther away.
Keep at least 25 yards away from wildlife.
Here's what 25 yards looks like, except for bears.
If you see a bear, keep 50 yards away.
That oak tree is about 50 yards
and remember pet food is also bear food.
Make sure all pet food is secured
in a locker when unattended.
And lastly, the K in B.A.R.K. is for know where you can go.
In Yosemite, pets can be on fully paved roads,
sidewalks, and bicycle paths, unless signed otherwise.
And although it's paved,
pets are not allowed on the trail to Vernal Fall
in Yosemite Valley.
Be aware that many of the parks most popular trails
are not paved and options for paved trails can be limited.
Meadows are especially sensitive to disturbances.
Nesting birds and rodents are hidden in the grasses,
which makes these meadows of rich hunting ground
for predators like coyotes and owls.
Always make a plan in advance
for the places you will take your pet on your visit.
For more information on where pets can go in Yosemite,
visit our website
at go.nps.gov/yobark.
Temperatures can be warm here.
Make sure your pet will not get overheated
by the places you plan to go in Yosemite.
Pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle,
especially in the summer.
The safest option for your furry family member
is to leave them at home or in a nearby kennel
if the activities you have planned don't allow for pets,
or if you think you might have a hard time
following the B.A.R.K. Ranger code while you're here.
Trust us, your pet will appreciate it.
Now that you know the B.A.R.K. Ranger code,
be sure to stop in to any visitor center on your next visit
to pick up the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card.
You can show a park ranger
that you have followed the B.A.R.K. code,
and you will be sworn in as a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger.
You can purchase your official badge
at any Yosemite Conservancy bookstore in the park.
The actions you and your B.A.R.K. Ranger take now,
help to protect the beauty of Yosemite
for generations to come.
Thank you for doing your part.
We can't wait to see you on your next visit.