2024 Total Bear Incidents: 10
2024 Total Property Damage: $585
Bear Incident Comparisons (year to date—previous years compared to 2024):
Last year (2023) – down by 9%
Most Incidents (1998) – down by 97%
Fewest Incidents (2019) – Equal
Bear Activity Summary: At least two different bears have been very active in the northern Yosemite Wilderness, spending much time near the Vernon Lake campsites. Bears have been approaching campers and obtaining improperly stored food. Staff from multiple divisions have been doing targeted patrols in an effort to scare these bears away from people to prevent further incidents. Backcountry users are being reminded about the importance of proper wilderness food storage, and how to act quickly to scare a bear from a human occupied area by yelling and not abandoning food. A sow with two cubs has been active near the JMT and Mist trails.
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.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: Please help protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and being prepared to stop for animals in roadways. Seven bears have been hit by vehicles with one confirmed dead.
Fascinating Bear Facts: Bears can travel great distances to return to a known food source. Relocated bears frequently return within days in Yosemite, and in the process of returning, risk encountering vehicles as well as human development. For this reason, YNP usually avoids relocating bears.
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.
Please report bear incidents and sightings: Call the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322 or e-mail yose_bear_mgmt@nps.gov.