Red Bear, Dead Bear sign in Yosemite National Park

2016 Total Bear Incidents: 32 (with 8 additional garbage incidents)


2016 Total Property Damage: $4,784

September 21, 2016 - Compared to this same week 2015 (the lowest year on record for bear incidents), bear incidents for in 2016 are down by 57% and damages are up by 4%. Compared to 1998 (when incidents in the park peaked), bear incidents in 2016 are down by 98%, and damages are down by 99%.

Bear Activity Summary: Bears have mostly been foraging on the excess of berries and other natural foods common throughout the park in September. Over Labor Day Weekend, a bear obtained improperly stored human food from an unlatched locker, and damaged a tent at Bridalveil Campground . Human food becomes an attractant for wildlife when not stored properly and can alter natural behavior or lead to bolder or more aggressive animals.

Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, twenty bears have been hit by vehicles in Yosemite. 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: All species of bear, except the American black bear and brown bear, are either threatened or in danger of extinction as habitat becomes fragmented by human habitation.

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: A mountain lion was seen near the White Wolf Lodge a few days before Labor Day Weekend.
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