| According to the
National Park Service (>)
there were over 150 bear incidents in Yosemite last year (two different
numbers are cited, 153 and 155). This is
nothing new. In "Sanctuary on Trial," Chapter 10 of his book Yosemite: The Embattled Wilderness (>),
Alfred
Runte describes how bear problems became acute in the
1920s. In 1940 bear feeding shows were discontinued. A 1941
film, "Fascinating Yosemite" (Castle Films), shows tourists feeding
bears that are "friendly...unafraid (segment starts at 2:06 >)."
Today, bear
warnings and precautions
abound: Near a campground... |
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On a dumpster in Yosemite Valley... |
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Stickers on bear lockers at
Junction Campground in Inyo National Forest (off Tioga Road near
Saddlebag Lake). |
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| Bear traps at Glacier
Point.
This type of traps have been used in Yosemite since 1929. |
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| In a change from the old days, when hikers overnighting in the wilderness would put food in a stuff sack or bag and sling it over a high branch to keep it away from bears, they now must carry approved bear canisters. These can be obtained where the wilderness permit is issued; the program is operated by the Yosemite Conservancy in cooperation with the Park Service. However, the model provided, the Garcia Backpackers' Cache 812, is rather large and heavy (12" tall by 8.8" in diameter weighing 2 pounds 11 ounces). |
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| On a lighter note, "Bear Poop"
chocolate pralined peanuts are available in the Yosemite Village store. |
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