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Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Response Continues at Yosemite National Park
The recent diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in several park visitors has prompted Yosemite National Park to scale up public health response and outreach. More »
Bears and Food Storage
![]() This bear is in a campsite eating food from an open locker.
Exciting? Scary? Tragic? All of these describe the situation. Bears that frequently get human food often lose their fear of people and then end up being killed to protect people. Keep reading to learn how you can help protect Yosemite bears. Photo by Jeffrey Brooker
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. Sometimes bears that routinely get our food become aggressive, and sometimes have to be killed as a result. By storing your food properly, you can prevent a bear's unnecessary death.
Please note that these food storage regulations have the force and effect of federal law: Failure to store your food properly may result in impoundment of your food or car and/or a fine of up to $5,000 and/or revocation of your camping permit. ![]() Bears will break into cars to investigate any object that smells or looks like food. What is Food? How to Store Your Food... In your car Food lockers are available at Curry Village parking lots and at nearly all trailhead parking areas. ![]() Bears can easily break into tent-cabins and tents for food. Never keep food, drinks, toiletries, or trash in your tent or tent-cabin. In campgrounds, Housekeeping Camp, and Curry Village tent cabins
Food lockers are available at every campsite, Housekeeping unit, and Curry Village tent cabin. Food may be stored out of sight in hard-sided trailers and RVs, as long as windows, doors, and vents are closed when you're not there. Food may not be stored in pop-up or tent trailers, or other soft-sided campers. In your hotel room or cabin ![]() Photo by Sean Crom A bear approaches people hiking down the Mist Trail. If a bear approaches you, try to scare it away. In picnic areas and while hiking on the trail While backpacking in the Wilderness |
Did You Know?
![Riparian area in Tuolumne Meadows Riparian area in Tuolumne Meadows](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120925040433im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/yose/parkmgmt/images/YOSE_YOSE_riparianweb.jpg)
Riparian communities are adjacent to the river channel and tributaries; they are the interface between the river and surrounding meadow and upland communities. They provide specialized habitat and important nutrients to the meadow and river systems.