Yosemite Bear Facts

August 11th –August 17th, 2013

Bear Activity Summary: Bears are active in all areas of the park. This week bears obtained food on two occasions in the backcountry. One of these incidents was at Illilouette Creek where a bear obtained food from a pack left unattended while a hiker went to get water. Always keep food within arm’s reach when hiking, picnicking, or camping in the park.

Bear activity has picked up at lower elevations of the park. This week a bear gained entrance to two residences in El Portal. Residents of Foresta reported paw prints on windows of a house, while another resident was able to scare a bear away from an open window after hearing a bear break the screen. Protect your residence closing and latching all doors and windows when you leave. Close windows in the kitchen when you are not in the room. If you are sleeping with windows open in your house, be prepared to wake up and actively scare bears away from your house by yelling. Reporting bear incidents to wildlife management is one of the easiest ways to help bears, and prevent future incidents. If you see a bear during your visit please report it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322.

Compared to 1998, bear incidents are down by 92% and bear damage is down by 98%
Compared to 2012, bear incidents are down by 8% and bear damage is down by 85%

Number of Incidents by location
El Portal – 2
Foresta – 2
Wilderness – 2

Red Bear, Dead Bear: This week ONE bear was hit by a car along Glacier Point Road. So far this year, THIRTEEN bears have been hit by vehicles. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.

Interesting Bear Fact: Black bears are omnivorous and their diet varies by season consisting primarily of fruit, flowers, nuts, green vegetation, and insects