As someone in the park on almost a daily basis, I can tell you there really isn't one single place to see bears. They are spotted in the meadows, in the Pines campgrounds, in the Curry Village area, in the Lodge parking lot, and along the one way roads in and out of Yosemite Valley.
Full Answer
Are there Bears in Yosemite National Park?
The oldest bear known in Yosemite was a 32-year-old female first captured in the Tuolumne Meadows area in the 1980s. Visitors who encounter a bear should keep their distance for safety and respect for themselves and the animal. If visitors see a black bear in undeveloped areas, they should remain at least 50 yards from it.
How do I contact Yosemite National Park for bear sightings?
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. Learn more about bear biology and bear management in Yosemite.
How common are black bear accidents in Yosemite National Park?
Over 300 vehicle-bear collisions have occurred along roadways in Yosemite National Park since 1995. Vehicle-bear collisions are now one of the leading causes of black bear mortality in Yosemite.
What animals live in Yosemite National Park?
Evoking a mixture of fascination and fright, bears are the superstars of Yosemite National Park’s ecosystem. The mammoth mammals spend the majority of their lives looking for food, and they are well equipped for it. Their lips can pull acorns from caps and can grab a single ant from a log.
Where are the most bears seen in Yosemite?
Many times in winter we've come across a bear roaming. This time of year, because of fewer people in the park, you'll see bears in more popular areas, such as near the Lower Yosemite Falls trails or on the Mirror Lake Trail. These winter sightings happen more in November and December, before the heavy snow falls.
Is it common to see bears in Yosemite?
About 300-500 black bears live in Yosemite's 750,000 acres. (Grizzly bears no longer live in California.)
Are bears active in Yosemite right now?
May 10, 2022 - Bear Activity Summary: Bears are out of their dens and are active on the Yosemite Valley floor. Bears have been seen frequently browsing in meadows and on trails surrounding the valley.
Do I need to worry about bears in Yosemite?
Black Bear Encounters in Yosemite Attacks are rare, and no one has been killed or seriously injured by a black bear in Yosemite.
Why is there no bear spray in Yosemite?
A reader asked yesterday why bear spray is illegal at Yosemite National Park. Rangers told us Yosemite doesn't have grizzlies, has never recorded a black bear-on-human attack, and, well, they're more worried about people misting bears (and each other) willy-nilly.
Are there grizzly bears in Yosemite?
If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear. The last known grizzly bear was shot outside the Yosemite region in the early 1920s; the species no longer exists in California despite its presence on the California state flag.
Are there wolves in Yosemite?
These large individuals of the Mountain Coyote are the present day "wolves" of the Yosemite region. No true wolf is known to have occurred anywhere in middle California since about 1870.
Are there mountain lions in Yosemite?
Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite's mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape.
What to do if a black bear approaches you?
Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices. If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as he approaches.
How many bear attacks have there been in Yosemite?
Even though about 500 black bears do roam the park, Yosemite has never reported a bear-on-human attack. To prevent public encounters with bears, park staff use GPS tracking and redirection techniques with good success.
What to do if you see a bear saying?
If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don't approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. If you encounter a bear that's aware of you: don't run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
Are there tarantulas in Yosemite?
In fact, there are so many tarantulas crawling out of their burrows in mid-October that the tiny town of Coarsegold, the gateway to Yosemite, celebrates tarantulas with a festival.
Is hiking in Yosemite safe?
Stay Safe! Over 800 miles of trails traverse Yosemite National Park. Not surprisingly, the majority of Yosemite's Search and Rescue (YOSAR) missions are spent assisting injured hikers or searching for a lost people in the wilderness.
Are there mountain lions in Yosemite?
Mountain lions—also called cougars, pumas or panthers—roam Yosemite's mountains and valleys. These important predators, native to the Americas, are a natural part of the Yosemite landscape.
Are there wolves in Yosemite?
These large individuals of the Mountain Coyote are the present day "wolves" of the Yosemite region. No true wolf is known to have occurred anywhere in middle California since about 1870.
Are there bears in Yosemite in winter?
Once in hibernation, bears in Yosemite typically don't become active again until late March or April. When they do come out, they've lost up to ⅓ of their body weight, and spend their time foraging on early spring foods—usually fresh grasses in meadows.
How to see a bear in Yosemite?
The real tip here is to slow down and enjoy Yosemite and all its natural wonders. When you open your eyes to what you are passing, many times you will see a bear. The bears are there. You just need to use your skills and look for them, and always be aware of your surroundings. Stay safe.
Where to walk in the fall in Yosemite?
A good spot with many oak trees (and not many people) is the stretch of the Valley Loop Trail between Lower Yosemite Falls and The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, and the trail to Mirror Lake. If you are walking these trails in the fall, keep your eyes open for a large furry animal eating like it’s Thanksgiving dinner.
What do bears do in the fall?
Bears In the Fall. In the fall, the bears begin to prepare for winter, which means they need to pack their bodies with fatty and high-calorie foods. This same time of year, especially in the Valley, is when acorns begin to fall off the oak trees. These same acorns (well, their descendants) are what the native American tribes ...
What does it mean when a bear wakes up?
When the bears wake up from a long winter of hibernating without food, they’re mighty hungry. They are ready to eat, so you’ll see them be bolder when foraging for food.
Do bears follow their noses?
No matter the time of year, the bears will follow their noses. Many of them are in the unpopulated, natural area of Yosemite, but many more stay near human populations. Sadly, of the bears that are near people, many of them are killed each year not by careless drivers but by campers who disregard the rangers’ warnings of storing food properly.
Do bears come out in the shade?
Have you ever worn a fur coat in the middle of summer? That’s how a bear feels when he is looking for food in the summer. You will see bears begin to come out at night or hang out in the shade, as opposed to exposing themselves to the hot Yosemite sun in the daytime.
Can you see a bear on a hiking trail?
These tips are an introduction to park bears and their habits, but they’re not written in stone, as at any time you may see a bear anywhere, maybe even on your hiking trail.
How far away should you be from a bear?
If you see a bear outside of developed areas, keep your distance: Remain at least 50 yards (four shuttle bus lengths).
How to keep food safe from bears?
Picnicking and Hiking. Always keep your food within arm's reach and don't turn your back to your food; never leave food unattended. Bears may investigate picnic areas or backpacks for food even in your presence, so be alert.
What are bear canisters?
Bear resistant food containers ("bear canisters") are required for overnight hikers throughout the Wilderness (counterbalance food hangs are no longer legal). In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear canisters are the only effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food.
Can bears enter campsites?
Bears may enter campsites even in your presence (see photo above), and some will even check lockers to see if they’re latched. Keep your locker closed and latched at all times, just like you would a freezer. Only have the food out that you are actually using; if you're not using it, put it back into the food locker.
Can bears break into tents?
Bears can easily break into tent-cabins and tents for food. Never keep food, drinks, toiletries, or trash in your tent or tent-cabin.
Do black bears have a voracious appetite?
Yosemite National Park is home to hundreds of American black bears; these bears have a voracious appetite. They also are incredibly curious and have an amazing sense of smell. This combination tempts them to seek our high-calorie food.
Do bears break into cabins?
Bears can easily break into cabins through an open door or open window.
Why is the bear team working in Yosemite?
The bear team works to protect the American black bear in Yosemite National Park so that it can continue its healthy existence.
What to do when a ranger sees a bear?
When a ranger sees a bear, the ranger may use non-lethal aversive tactics to chase the bear out of a developed area. During your overnight stay, expect to see and hear rangers patrolling public areas for bears. You may hear rangers yelling at and chasing bears. You may also see or hear rangers shooting noisemakers or non-lethal projectiles (such as rubber slugs from a shotgun or clear paintballs from a paintball gun). The intent is not to harm the bear, but to scare it from the area and restore its natural fear of people by providing a negative experience.
What to do if a bear approaches you?
If you are in a developed area (e.g., campground, parking lot, lodging area) or if a bear approaches you, act immediately to scare it away : yell aggressively and as loudly as possible. If you are with other people, stand together to present a more intimidating figure, but do not surround the bear. Bear spray/pepper spray is not allowed in Yosemite.
What happens if you get closer to a bear?
If you get closer, you will be helping the bear become used to being around people. Bears that become comfortable around people lose their natural fear of us and sometimes become too aggressive; sometimes they then have to be killed.
Can you see a bear while visiting?
You may not see a bear during your visit because bears naturally avoid people. If you do see a bear, what you should do depends on the situation. In any case, always let a ranger know or leave a message at 209/372-0322. If you are in a developed area (e.g., campground, parking lot, lodging area) or if a bear approaches you, ...
Can you spray a bear in Yosemite?
Bear spray/pepper spray is not allowed in Yosemite. The intent is not to harm the bear, but to scare it from the area and restore its natural fear of people by providing a negative experience. If you see a bear anywhere else, keep your distance (at least 50 yards, or about the distance four shuttle buses parked end to end would take up).
Where are bears in Yosemite Valley?
Bear activity has significantly slowed down in recent weeks in Yosemite Valley, with most bear activity currently happening in El Portal, the park’s administrative area. Bears are still focusing their large fall appetite on the acorns that are prevalent this time of year.
What is bear incident?
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). Last updated: November 23, 2020.
How fast can a bear run?
Bears can run as fast as 35 mph. The average human athlete runs at around 15 mph, and the fastest known human (Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt) runs at 27 mph. Bears win.
Do bears yell at people?
Though it is very tempting to get close for a picture, or just to watch these incredible animals, it is important not to give into this urge. Giving bears plenty of space, and yelling at them if they are in residential areas or near people is critical to keep bears natural fear of humans.
What kind of bear is in Yosemite?
If you see a bear in Yosemite National Park, you can be certain it’s a black bear. American black bears are curious creatures and will stop at nothing to steal a bite to eat from an unsuspecting tourist. Despite their name, most of the black bears in Yosemite have brown, blond, or reddish-brown fur. Black bears can range greatly in size, but the ...
How to get a bear out of Yosemite?
Let the bear know you are not a threat. Give it a way out. If a bear approaches you, make yourself look bigger by lifting and waving your arms. Use noisemakers, or yell at the bear. If small children are present, keep them close to you. Black Bear Encounters in Yosemite.
How big is a black bear in Yosemite?
Despite their name, most of the black bears in Yosemite have brown, blond, or reddish-brown fur. Black bears can range greatly in size, but the average male weighs about 250 pounds. The largest black bear captured in Yosemite weighed 690 pounds! Black Bear Activity in Yosemite. Yosemite black bears have been known to go to great lengths ...
What number do you call if you hit an animal in Yosemite?
If you do hit an animal while in Yosemite and need immediate ranger response, you can report it to the park’s emergency communication center at 209/379-1992, or by leaving a message on the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209/372-0322 if you believe that the animal is uninjured. You may also use the Save-A-Bear Hotline number to report non-urgent bear ...
What are the activities of black bears in Yosemite?
Black Bear Activity in Yosemite. Yosemite black bears have been known to go to great lengths to obtain human food. Back in 1997, several mischievous black bears broke into more than 600 cars in Yosemite National Park! Vehicle owners were astonished to discover car doors torn open and windows smashed by bear paws.
How many vehicle bear collisions have occurred in Yosemite National Park?
Over 300 vehicle-bear collisions have occurred along roadways in Yosemite National Park since 1995. Vehicle-bear collisions are now one of the leading causes of black bear mortality in Yosemite. It is important to remember that while traveling in the park, the posted speed limits are not only there to protect people, but to also protect wildlife in areas where animals cross the roads.
How long have grizzly bears been extinct?
California Grizzly Bears, despite their presence on the California state flag, have been extinct since 1924. Although scientists have toyed with the possibility of reintroducing the species to the region, it’s not likely to happen anytime soon. If you see a bear in Yosemite National Park, you can be certain it’s a black bear. American black bears are curious creatures and will stop at nothing to steal a bite to eat from an unsuspecting tourist. Despite their name, most of the black bears in Yosemite have brown, blond, or reddish-brown fur. Black bears can range greatly in size, but the average male weighs about 250 pounds. The largest black bear captured in Yosemite weighed 690 pounds!
How big is a black bear in Yosemite?
If you’ve come to Yosemite National Park looking for megafauna, then it’s black bears that you’ll want to be watching out for. The largest mammal in the Sierra Nevada mountains, a full-grown adult male black bear typically weighs between 300 and 350 pounds, although the largest ever caught inside the park weighed a whopping 690 pounds!
Where to travel to see black bears?
Black Bear Safety Tips. There are some very important tips to keep in mind when traveling in black bear country throughout the Sierra Nevada range. Because black bears may be active year-round, especially in heavily populated areas such as the Yosemite Valley, you should take precautions both to protect yourself and to help keep black bears wild.
What can attract a bear to your campsite?
All food, trash, and scented items — which includes empty coffee cups, recycling containers, wrapped candy and mints, children’s car seats, sunblock and mosquito repellent, cigarettes and ashtrays, coolers whether empty or filled, etc. — can attract a bear to break into your car or enter your campsite.
How long do black bears live?
In the wild, black bears can live for up to 25 or 30 years. They are generally solitary animals, except for a sow and her cubs, which generally live together during the first year of the cubs’ life. Most black bears den during winter, whether that means finding an underground cave or settling into a hollow tree trunk.
How far away should you be from a bear bar?
Stay at least 300 feet away from the bar, using a zoom lens to get a better look rather than approaching the animal too closely. Never get between a sow and her cubs, and never block a bear’s escape route (i.e., don’t stand on the trail). Remember that bears can run up to 35mph, so never try to outrun them.
How many bear incidents were there in 1998?
In 1998, there was a record of 1,584 bear incidents eating stolen food or garbage. In 2014, the Park reported a 63% reduction in incidents. Thank you Park guests, for being vigilant and helping to save our bears. ( reference)
What to do when a bear approaches you?
Standing your ground may convince the bear to go away and leave you alone. Otherwise, back away slowly and move off to the side of the trail to let the bear pass by.
How far away from a campsite should you put a bear container?
Place the container on the ground 25 to 50 feet from your campsite, in a place where a bear can't easily roll it away.
How to carry bear proof food?
The best way to carry a bear-resistant container is inside your pack. Think of it as a big stuff sack, though it will always occupy the same amount of space. Later in your trip, when you have eaten some of your food, you can place other items inside the container to conserve space.
Why do you need bear resistant containers when hiking?
You are encouraged to carry bear-resistant containers even when hiking in areas where bear boxes are available because they may be unavailable or full in these busy areas. Bear-resistant containers increase your freedom in selecting campsites away from developed or highly used areas.
What to put in bear resistant container?
Make sure all food, all trash, all toiletries, and all other scented items are inside the container. This includes but is not limited to all sealed or packaged food, sunscreen, soap, mosquito repellent, lip balm, deodorant, medications, and feminine products. As a general rule, if you put it in your mouth or on your skin, it should probably be stored in a bear-resistant container.
Can you use backpackers cache in Yosemite?
Certain bear-resistant portable containers designed for backpackers to store food are allowed for use in Yosemite (however, only the Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812 is available for rental in Yosemite).
Do you have to store food in Yosemite National Park?
You are required by federal regulations to store all your "food" properly throughout Yosemite National Park. You must have your food stored unless it's within arm's reach of an awake person (so, don't go for a swim or take a nap while leaving food out).
Can a bear knock a container?
Take care not to place it near a cliff or any water source, as a bear may knock the container around or roll it down a hill. Do not hang or attach anything to the container (ropes attached to the container enable a bear to carry it away). You can place pots and pans on top of the container as a bear alarm if you like.