Re: Yosemite Bear Facts November 4th - November 17th, 2018

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iivvgg
"Red Bear, Dead Bear"

What the heck is a red bear? (Other than an out-of-date political symbol.)

One of the most visible bear management tools is the "Red Bear-Dead Bear" signage. To minimize collisions between cars and wildlife in Yosemite National Park, an education initiative began in 2007. The red bear program aims to increase visitor awareness of the high frequency of vehicle-animal collisions, to encourage visitors to be aware of wildlife along roadsides, and to observe posted speed limits. Typically a dozen or more black bears are killed or maimed each year by vehicles; in 2010, 28 vehicle-bear collisions were reported.

The program includes 18 metal signs, illustrated with a red bear, positioned off the road where collisions in the park occurred. The attention-grabbing sign design and coloration is based on recommendations from a 2003 Wyoming roadway and wildlife crossing study. It indicated that traditional wildlife crossing signs, such as a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black leaping deer, are often ineffective in mitigating vehicle-animal collisions, but innovative signage of animal silhouettes, in conjunction with a public education and awareness campaign, can be effective.

Since the Yosemite project began, the park has received an increase in reports of vehicle-bears collisions, but it's unclear to scientists if more bears have been hit by cars or if the sign campaign simply has encouraged the public to report collisions they witness. Yosemite's signage project also includes educational displays, in the form of flyers and posters, at entrance stations, visitor centers, and stores. Evaluation of this program is still ongoing.