Yosemite National Park Red Bear, Dead Bear Sign

July 26, 2016 - 2016 Total Bear Incidents: 17 (with 7 additional garbage incidents) with 2016 Total Property Damage of $1,342.

Compared to 2015 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents in 2016 are down by 65% and damages are down by 58%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2016 are down by 96%, and damages are down by 99%.

Bear Activity Summary: A bear obtained food from backpackers twice along the John Muir Trail out of Yosemite Valley (Half Dome Junction and Cloud’s Rest Junction). Campers at the Snow Creek footbridge reported that a bear rolled their food storage canister away from their campsite. At Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, a bear obtained food from visitors after they walked away from their food for a short time. Remember - Bears are active day and night throughout Yosemite. Protect your property and bears by always storing food in a secured food storage locker or food storage canister when camping. Additionally, be vigilant when you are preparing food or hiking and always remain within arm’s reach of any food that is out.

Red Bear, Dead Bear: Eleven bears have been hit by vehicles in Yosemite this year. Six of these bears were killed on impact. PLEASE help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways.

Fascinating Bear Fact: Black bears use vocalizations that can mean various things including: annoyance, fear, pain, tiredness, threats, and more.

Please Report Bear Incidents and Sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.

Other Wildlife Sightings: Several mountain lions have been reported in Wawona Campground recently. 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.
Source: NPS (C. Lee-Roney)