June 17-30, 2018
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.
Fascinating Bear Fact
Bears shed calluses on the soles of their feet when they hibernate, so when they first emerge from their den, a bear’s paws are very sensitive.
Bear Incidents
Location |
Biweekly total |
This year |
|
Parking lots and roadsides |
0 |
0 |
|
Campgrounds |
1 |
1 |
|
Other areas |
1 |
1 |
|
Residential |
0 |
2 |
|
Wilderness |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
3 |
5 |
Number of incidents last year: 38
So far this year, incidents are down by 63% compared to the same time last year, and down 99% since 1998 (the year with the most incidents).
Activity Update
The beginning of June marked the first bear incidents in Yosemite including: a bear damaging an unoccupied tent at the Crane Flat Campground, an unattended pack in Yosemite Valley and another pack at Lake Vernon. These incidents occurred because food or attractants (items that smell including in opened or unopened packaging) were left unattended.
Even with fewer bear incidents than usual, bear activity is still relatively high throughout the park. Bears have been reported in all major areas of the park, and much of the wilderness. When out hiking or camping in bear country, it is important to always keep food within arm’s reach or to store food properly in a closed bear resistant canister or food locker.
Slow Down!
A bear was hit by a vehicle on the Glacier Point Road. PLEASE help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. A map of bear-hit-by-vehicle hotspots, along with other Yosemite Bear Information an be viewed 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.
Other Wildlife Sightings
This week marked the first fawns of the season being born in Yosemite Valley. Fawns are born relatively scentless and are camouflaged to hide from predators. When approached by a human their natural response is to remain still and silent, and try to hide. Adult female deer do not remain close to their fawns in order to prevent drawing attention to them, but do return throughout the day to nurse. If you find a fawn, keep your distance and do not approach it. Its mother will be back for it. If you disturb or move a fawn, the mother will not be able to find it.
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).