Bear Facts

July 27, 2025

updated as often as possible

Bear Incidents

Location

Wilderness: 5

Campgrounds: 10

Parking lots and roadsides: 1

Residential: 3

Other areas: 11

Total: 30

Number of incidents last year: 34

So far this year, incidents are:

• up by 43% compared to last year
• up by 150% compared to the year with the fewest incidents (2019)
• down by 92% compared to the year with the most incidents (1998)

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).

Activity Summary

Bears are active throughout the park. Three new incidents occurred in July, all in wilderness areas involving bears getting human food from hikers and backpackers. Two of these incidents occurred on the Snow Creek Trail above the footbridge and the third incident was above the Yosemite Falls Trail. Other bear observations have come in from Tuolumne Meadows ,where a bear has been scavenging a deer carcass and from Crane Flat Campground. Please remember to always keep your food with you when out day hiking or enjoying the park, and within arm’s-reach.

Bears in Yosemite Valley have been eating apples from the historic apple trees and the remaining summer raspberry crop. Many park workgroups came together on July 23, along with volunteers, to pick apples from the Curry Village parking lot where the apples draw bears into areas with people. Picking the fruit helps reduce human-bear incidents protecting both bears and human safety.

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.

Slow Down!

Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. Sixteen bears have been struck in Yosemite so far this year, including seven in the month of July. Two bears hit by vehicles in July died as a result of the vehicle strikes.

Fascinating Bear Fact

Bears can travel great distances to return to a known food source. Relocated bears frequently return within days in Yosemite, and in the process of returning, risk encountering vehicles as well as human development. For this reason, Yosemite National Park usually avoids relocating bears.

Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.

Other Wildlife

A mountain lion and cub were observed crossing the Wawona road at Wawona Campground.