Yosemite, Bears and You

While Yosemite is an incredible adventure, with striking beauty everywhere you turn, the fact remains that this is a wilderness area.  In the wilderness, wild animals thrive, including bears.  There are many bears in Yosemite, and keeping out of their way should be your first priority.  If you see a bear in the park, you need to know what to do to remain safe.  Here are a few helpful tips to keep you and the bears safe and happy.

Today, there are an estimated 300 to 500 bears in Yosemite National Park.  While this may sound like quite a few, considering the large size of the park, it is unlikely that you will encounter any bears.  If you do, though, here are a few facts. All of the bears in the park are American black bears.  While the California grizzly bear was once a factor in the area, the last known grizzly was shot in the 1800's.  This means that no matter what color fur the bear may have, it is a black bear, not a grizzly.  Black bears can be many different colors, from blond to brown to reddish to black. It is also important to note that you can encounter bears in Yosemite during any season; not all bears hibernate.

Black bears ordinarily live on berries, roots, insects, acorns nuts and seeds, but they will eat meat if it is readily available and they love to rummage through dumpsters for human detritus. To help ensure your safety, make sure that all of your trash receptacles are bear proof.  There are many other items to consider as well.  Do not leave food in your car; bears are very tenacious and can become aggressive in their search for food.  Bears that have become extremely accustomed to human food and garbage must often be shot, due to the threat that they can pose.

To help keep bears where they belong, follow a few simple steps. Never leave food unattended.  If you are finished with it, throw it away in a bear proof container. In Yosemite, all food, coolers, unwashed eating utensils and cooking utensils, as well as anything with a scent, must be stored in park provided food storage lockers.  These lockers are specially designed to keep the bears out, which keeps you safe as well as the bears. These lockers are not overly large, so remember this when you are packing for your trip.

What do you do if you see a bear? This is an excellent question with more than one answer. The ultimate answer depends on the bear, the distance away from you and other factors. If it is a mother and her cubs, do not approach them. Back away as quickly as possible, keeping your eyes on the bear. Other bears can be frightened away. Clap your hands and yell loudly; the intent is to startle the bear and make them run.  Whenever you see a bear, you should contact the park office or a ranger immediately, no matter where the bear was, or what the bear may be doing.