Bear Activity Yosemite Valley

On September 29, a bear pulled a window AC unit out of a window in NPS housing. Luckily the bear was scared away by a neighbor before it was able to get inside and eat any food. If this (or any bear) gets food from inside a house it is nearly impossible to stop that behavior because the food reward is too great. Many bears have had to be killed in the park over the years because residents were not doing their part to protect wildlife. During the fall bears are looking to eat up to 20,000 calories every day to fatten up for winter. Because of this, many house break-ins tend to occur this time of year.

How can you help? Windows and doors must be closed and securely latched or locked when you are not home. Please remove any AC units that you have placed in windows as bears can easily knock these out and get into your house. It is also recommended that you do not leave windows open in unattended rooms overnight, particularly in or near the kitchen. Please clean up around your house – make sure your grills are clean, don’t leave out recycling or pet food. Remember to clip dumpsters, and never throw food, recycling, or scented items in the open-top dumpsters.

If a bear is attempting to enter your home, make lots of noise to scare the bear and call dispatch immediately (379-1992). Always report non-urgent bear sightings to the Human-Bear Management program by calling the Save-A-Bear Hotline (372-0322) or emailing yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.