Yosemite Bear Facts—September 3rd to September 16th, 2017

2017 Total Bear Incidents: 33
2017 Total Property Damage: $2,546

Compared to this same week 2016 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2017 are up by 3% while bear damages are down by 47%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2017 are down by 98%, and damages are down by 99%.

Bear Activity Summary: Bear activity has remained relatively slow in Yosemite this month, likely because they are taking advantage of the abundance of natural foods. Bear activity has, however, picked up at the Crane Flat campground. In the past week there have been numerous bear sightings and one bear incident that resulted in a damaged tent while people were away from their campsite. Please remember that even when you don’t see a bear, they could be very near by. Store any food or scented item (including sealed items) in a secured food storage locker while camping in Yosemite. Never in your tent or vehicle.

Residents and locals (or anyone who lives in bear habitat): please remember that there is often an increase in bear incidents and sightings in neighborhoods in the fall as bears are looking for high calorie foods to fatten up for hibernation. Please keep all doors and windows closed and latched in unoccupied homes and offices. Additionally, pick any remaining fruit from your fruit trees, and make sure other attractants are not stored outside your home. Although it’s always fun to see a bear, a bear in the neighborhood is at risk getting into trouble quickly.

Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far, 20 bears have been hit by vehicles. Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.

Fascinating Bear Fact: The home range of the black bear can depend on food source availability, season, and gender. Males generally range between 8-60 square miles, while females can range between 1-15 square miles.

Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at +1 209 372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.

Other Wildlife Sightings: Mountain lion observations have been reported recently in El Portal. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit the National Park Service website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.