Yosemite Bear Facts: July 7th –July 13th, 2013

Bear Activity Summary: Apples have started attracting the attention of bears this week in Yosemite Valley. Consequently, there has been an increase in bear sightings around the Valley. Additionally, bears have been active in campgrounds. This week and last week combined, there were 10 backcountry incidents involving a bear obtaining food or damaging backpacker’s property. Four of these incidents were due to backpackers improperly storing food (outside of a bear container). Another four incidents involved a bear rolling a canister away from camp. Be sure to store canisters away from where you are sleeping in the backcountry, but in a location that is away from cliffs and water-ways. The last two incidents involved packs that were torn by a bear.

Tuolumne Meadows continues to have active bears around the campground and in housing areas. Bears have obtained improperly stored food multiple times in the last month. Please protect your property and bears by keeping all windows and doors closed and locked when you are not home, and keeping all food, scented items, trash, and recycling out of your vehicle. Actively scare bears out of developed areas by yelling at the bear, but never chasing it towards a road.

If you see a bear during your visit please report it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322. Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, seven bears have been hit by vehicles. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.

Interesting Bear Fact: Black bear young separate from their mothers after 16 to 18 months and are called yearlings.

Other Wildlife Sightings: Two mountain lions were sighted this week. One lion was seen crossing the road near the Wawona Campground and the other sighting was in Foresta. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.