Bears have been active this week in Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley.
This week we had seven backcountry incidents involving a bear obtaining food or attractants from backpackers. Five of these incidents occurred at the top of the Snow Creek trail near the footbridge and popular overnight area. This bear has been reportedly rolling bear canisters away from campsites and getting into half-latched cans. This bear also entered campsites to obtain toiletries that were stored improperly outside canisters. Bears can’t tell the difference between something that smells good, but tastes bad until they have already bitten into it. Protect yourself and property by always storing these things in a latched canister.
Another two incidents occurred this week in Lyell Canyon along the JMT/PCT trail. In both cases, food was stored improperly outside a bear can. This bear approached campsites during the night to obtain food that was hung or left in packs.
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, five bears have been hit by vehicles. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.
Interesting Bear Fact: Cubs stay with their mother for over 1 year, and then before sows begin to mate in the spring, they force their yearlings (cubs from the previous year) to stop traveling with them.
Other Wildlife Sightings: Two mountain lions were sighted this week. One lion was seen along the Pohono trail near Dewey Point. The other lion was seen along the Volgelsang trail near Booth Lake. 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.