Weekly Bear Activity Update

     In 1997, over 900 cars were damaged by bears in the park and most of these incidents were caused by improper food storage. If your car will be parked in Yosemite after dark, it must not contain any food or related items (see storage instructions in following sections).

• Bears have damaged cars for as little as a stick of gum or an empty soda can, so thoroughly search you car and remove all potential bear attractants. Bears can clearly smell any food in a car, even when it's stored in the vehicle's trunk!

• Bears recognize ice chests, grocery bags, and other food-related supplies. Such items, even when empty, have residual odors. Remove them from vehicles and store them securely. Also remove drinks, garbage, and scented articles such as soap, sunscreen, and toothpaste from vehicles. Don't forget to check the glove compartment!

• Clear your car's interior of clutter. This will reduce the chances of a bear mistaking an article for food, and increase the chances that you will find any stray french fries or other overlooked food. Child car seats should be removed from vehicles since they often have residual food smells.

• Remove all trash and place it in animal-resistant trash cans or dumpsters

• Save-A-Bear Hotline:  To report trash problems, improper food storage, bear sightings, and other bear-related problems, leave a message for the Bear Management Team at (209)372-0200 (press 7, then 3) [Your call can be made anonymously]

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      The bear boxes are provided for you to store any extra food or items with an odor (toothpaste, deodorant, suntan lotion, etc.) that you may be leaving behind.  The boxes do not lock and are therefore not a good place to store valuables.  But anything with a smell, no matter how tightly sealed or packed, must be stored in the boxes.  If you leave something as small as a candy bar in your vehicle, it is likely the bears will tear out the window frame of your car.  

      When you receive your Wilderness Permit, you can also get directions to the boxes nearest to your trailhead.  Please remember when using bear boxes, all trash should be deposited in adjacent trash cans or dumpsters.