Bear Facts July 21 - July 27

Bear Activity Summary: This week bears caused three incidents in Yosemite Valley Campgrounds. All three incidents occurred because either food or attractants were left out after campers went to sleep. Always store all food and scented items in a latched bear locker.
Bears continue to be active in Yosemite’s backcountry. Many visitors have reported seeing a bear rolling bear canisters away from campsites near the Snow Creek footbridge. Additionally, a sow with cubs has been reportedly checking out bear canisters at the Cloud’s Rest junction on the JMT. Always place bear cans in backcountry campsites within ear-shot or headlamp range and be prepared to scare bears away from camp at night by yelling.
This week, a bear was attempted to gain entrance to a residence in El Portal through an open window. Protect your home by closing kitchen windows and windows close to your kitchen when you are not in the room. Always close and latch all windows and doors when you are not home. If you sleep with windows open, please be prepared to wake up to scare a bear away if it tries to get into your home.

Weekly Incidents By Location
3 – Snow Creek
3 – JMT
1 – Illouette Canyon
1 – Matterhorn Canyon
2 – North Pines Campground
1 – Camp 4 Campground
1 – El Portal

Yearly Incident Total
Parking Lots – 4 incidents, $720 damage
Campgrounds – 13 incidents, $208 damage
Other Areas – 18 incidents, 1,1225
Wilderness – 34 incidents, $2,255 damage

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: This week two bears were hit by vehicles. One bear was hit near the Big Oak Flat entrance while the other was hit on Highway 41 near Grouse Creek. So far this year, Nine bears have been hit by vehicles. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.

Interesting Bear Fact: American black bears can run up to 30 mph, that’s 7 mph faster than the fastest human.

Other Wildlife Sightings: Two mountain lions were reported this week. One lion was reported on the trail to Ostrander Lake. The other lion was reported crossing Highway 41 near the Wawona Campground. For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.