December 7-December 13, 2008
updated as often as possible

Fascinating Bear Fact!
Hibernation for bears will begin as a reaction to a seasonal shortage of food, not because of cold. Prior to hibernation, a black bear may add four inches of fat and gain up to three pounds per day. If a good source of food remains, a bear may not hibernate at all.

Bear Incidents

Number of incidents last year
To date: 500
Total: 500

Total property damage this year is $73,836. So far this year, incidents are down 9% compared to the same time last year, but down 70% since 1998.

Activity Update
Bears are not hibernating yet, and are still active! This week, two garage doors were broken into by a bear. Please make sure that all of your food is in a bear-proof locaion. A freezer in a garage can often be accessed by a determined bear. A bear also has been checking dumpsters around the Valley, so please make sure that dumpsters are clipped. For the past three weeks, we have seen an increased number of vehicles being broken into by bears. Multiple vehicles have been broken into at the Ahwahnee and Camp 4. Additionally, there have been car break-ins at Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Village visitor parking, and in residential areas. Please be sure not to leave any food in your car after dark.

SLOW DOWN!
Twenty-five bears have been hit by cars this year! Seventeen bears were hit by cars last year, along with an unknown number of deer, squirrels and other park animals. Slow down and save Yosemite’s wildlife.

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.

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).