Bear Facts

May 24, 2026

updated as often as possible

Bear Incidents

Location

Wilderness: 0

Campgrounds: 2

Parking lots and roadsides: 0

Residential: 2

Other areas: 1

Total: 5

Number of incidents last year: 34

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

Recently, bears obtained human food from multiple campsites in Hodgdon Meadow Campground when visitors were too far from their food or backed away from an approaching bear. Several unsecured residential structures also were also damaged by bears in this area. Property damage by bears is 316% higher than this time last year. In other areas of the park, there have been several reports of people surrounding female bears with cubs on the Valley floor.

How can we protect bears? Lock and latch windows and doors of buildings not in use. Store your food and trash. Stay 50 yards (minimum) away from bears.

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. Three bears have been hit by vehicles so far in 2026. Slow down and pay attention to roadsides when driving!

Fascinating Bear Fact

Black bear cubs stay with their mom for one full year. When they separate from her in the early summer, the year aŌer they are born, they are now on their own and called “yearlings."

Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.

Other Wildlife

A mountain lion was seen in the Rancheria Flat housing area in El Portal on May 18.