Bear Activity Summary

Bear activity has increased in the last couple of weeks including this year’s first incidents reported in wilderness areas. All six incidents occurred because backpackers failed to put all of their food or attractants into their food storage container or failed to secure it properly. In Yosemite Valley, bears have been reported in campgrounds every night. Bears obtained food from campsites on multiple occasions after visitors either failed to store their food properly or because they were afraid of the bear and abandoned their food. Additionally several backpacks were either taken or damaged after small food items were left inside. Please be sure to store all food and scented items in a secured food storage locker. Double check your campsite and packs for food.

Several incidents occurred in picnic areas this week when a bear discovered unattended food or was able to scare visitors from their meals. If you encounter a bear in a developed area, always remain with your food and yell at the bear to encourage it to leave. If you see a bear during your visit please report it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322.

Weekly Incidents by Location:

• LYV and JMT Trails - 6
• Backpacker's Camp - 6
• North Pines - 4
• Upper Pines - 3
• Swinging Bridger - 2
• Curry Village - 1
• Yosemite Lodge - 1
• Ahwahnee Hotel - 1
• Housekeeping Camp - 2
• Total - 26

Yearly Total:

• Parking Lots - no incidents or damage
• Campgrounds - 25 incidents with $707 of damage
• Other Areas - 13 incidents with $357 of damage
• Wilderness - 5 incidents with $742 of damage
• Total - 43 incidents with $1,801 of damage

Red Bear, Dead Bear: Six bears have been hit by vehicles this year. Two different bears were hit along the the Big Oak Flat Road recently. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.

Interesting Bear Fact: Black bears have specially adapted shoulders which allow them to be climbers.

Other Wildlife Sightings: Mountain lions were reported at Housekeeping Camp and a female with two cubs were seen in El Portal this week. 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.