Bear Facts

July 6, 2024

updated as often as possible

Bear Incidents

Location

Wilderness: 6

Campgrounds: 0

Parking lots and roadsides: 0

Residential: 0

Other areas: 4

Total: 10

Number of incidents last year: 38

So far this year, incidents are:

• down by 9% compared to last year
• up by 0% compared to the year with the fewest incidents (2019)
• down by 97% compared to the year with the most incidents (1998)

Note: A bear incident occurs when a bear causes a monetary loss to a person--that is, if the bear causes property damage or obtains food. Bear incidents also include cases of bears causing injury to a person (which are fairly uncommon).

Activity Summary

At least two different bears have been very active in the wilderness of northern Yosemite, spending much time near the Vernon Lake. Bears have been approaching campers and obtaining improperly stored food. Rangers have been doing targeted patrols in an effort to scare these bears away. Another sow with two cubs has been active in the Vernal and Nevada Falls area..

With ripening berries and other fruit, bears are becoming very active in Yosemite Valley. These summer food sources are drawing more wild bears into Yosemite Valley including sows with cubs. This is a critical time in preventing them from becoming used to people or getting people’s food. In Tuolumne Meadows, a tagged bear and her recently separated yearlings are being seen frequently roadside and near development. Bears have been causing bear jams around Crane Flat and along the Glacier Point Road.

Let us know if you see a bear, no matter where it is or what it's doing. Call 209/372-0322 or send an email.

Slow Down!

Seven bears have been hit by vehicles with one confirmed dead. A gray fox was also hit and killed by a vehicle on the Big Oak Flat road near Foresta. Help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals on roads.

Fascinating Bear Fact

Bears can travel great distances to return to a known food source. Relocated bears frequently return very quickly to their home range, and in the process of returning, risk encountering vehicles as well as human development. For this reason, we avoidsrelocating bears.

Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.

Other Wildlife

Summer is here! The Northern Pacific rattlesnake is a venomous species found in Yosemite. These snakes have excellent camouflage and are easy to miss when hiking hot, dusty trails, or scrambling through talus fields. Always check under objects and rocks when sitting to snack, and if you encounter a rattlesnake, give it plenty of room. Do not try to move the animal, it will move off trail on its own if given space.