Bear Facts

June 2–16, 2019

updated as often as possible

Interested in stories from the Bear Team? Follow the Yosemite Bear Team Blog to read about the challenges and successes of Yosemite's bear management.

Bear Incidents

Location

Parking lots and roadsides: 0

Campgrounds: 0

Other areas: 0

Residential: 0

Wilderness: 3

Total: 3

Number of incidents last year: 24

So far this year, incidents are down by 0% compared to the same time last year (the year with the fewest incidents), and down 99% since 1998 (the year with the most incidents).

Activity Summary

The beginning of June marked the first bear incidents in Yosemite including a bear obtaining food from illegal food hangs at Lake Vernon, and a bear investigating canisters and obtaining food at Snow Creek. When out hiking, picnicking, or camping in bear country, it is important to keep food within arm’s reach or to store food properly in a properly closed bear-resistant food container/locker. Hanging food in Yosemite is illegal. There are multiple active bears in Yosemite Valley in and near development. Always stay at least 50 yards away from bears, avoid surrounding or blocking the animal from having an escape route, and maintain vigilance on reporting bears and practicing good food storage in the campgrounds, workplace and residential areas.

Slow Down!

So far this year, 1 bear has been hit by a car along park roads. Help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals on roads. A map of bear-hit-by-vehicle hotspots, along with other Yosemite Bear Information, is available at: www.KeepBearsWild.org

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.

Fascinating Bear Fact

Although mountain lions are considered apex predators, black bears will often push mountain lions off their kills, exhibiting sub-dominant behavior to bears.

Other Wildlife Sightings

Mountain lions have been reported across Yosemite National Park. Recent observations of lions exhibiting curiosity and following visitors have occurred in wilderness areas. Learn more about mountain lions 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).