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IV. Wildlife Management and Ecology
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31. Visitors' fascination with
"approachable" animals, especially bears, led to inevitable
confrontations and further serious inroads on Yosemite's effectiveness
as a wildlife preserve. Courtesy of the Yosemite National Park
Research Library.
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32. Since the mobile bear trap was first
used in 1929, bear management in Yosemite has relied heavily on
capturing and relocating so-called problem bears. Initially, rangers
branded released animals with a daub of white paint to identify those
that returned to developed areas. Modern techniques of identification
include ear tags and tattoos, applied after capture while the animal is
under anesthesia. Courtesy of the Yosemite National Park Research
Library.
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33. In Park Service reports, deer grown
tame from being fed by tourists were often called "beggar" or "pauper"
deer; most such animals, like "garbage" bears, were quietly captured and
killed. Quite obviously, the Park Service itself was also to blame for
feeding and spoiling wild animals. Ranger Bill Reyman with a herd of
Yosemite deer, ca. 1930. Courtesy of the Yosemite National Park
Research Library.
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