June 11-June 24, 2017
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
Black bears are excellent climbers and are known to climb trees or even rock faces for various reasons including: to find food, escape danger, and even to sleep.
Bear Incidents
Location |
Biweekly total |
This year |
|
Parking lots and roadsides |
0 |
0 |
|
Campgrounds |
0 |
0 |
|
Other areas |
0 |
0 |
|
Residential |
0 |
2 |
|
Wilderness |
4 |
14 |
|
Total |
4 |
16 |
Number of incidents last year: 38
So far this year, incidents are up by 100% compared to the same time last year (a record low year), and down 96% since 1998.
Activity Update
Bears continue to be active in wilderness areas in June. All reported bear incidents in the last few weeks have occurred along popular trails leading out of Yosemite Valley. Two incidents were reported after bear canisters went missing in the night at the top of the Snow Creek switchbacks. Bears can approach campsites at any time of day, so be sure to always secure food and scented items in a bear-proof container. Additionally, when camping in wilderness areas, place you bear canister within viewing distance of your tent and place objects on top that would make considerable noise if your canister was disturbed (e.g., pots and pans). Curious bears can roll canisters away from campsites in the night. Additionally, certain wilderness camping areas are closed around the Snow Creek footbridge.
Where are the bears? Bear Tracker displays data transmitted via satellite from the Bear Team’s state-of-the-art GPS bear collars, making it available to you to remotely explore the lives of these amazing animals. Please note: Data is delayed to protect the current location of bears.
Slow Down!
So far, three bears have been hit by vehicles. This past week, a bear was hit in Yosemite Valley and another, near the Crane Flat gas station. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.
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
A mountain lion was recently reported on the Mist Trail, a popular hiking trail. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.
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).