Yosemite National Park currently has no brown bears, commonly known as grizzly bears. If a visitor sees a bear within the park boundaries, it is exclusively an American Black Bear, the only bear species living there today. Understanding the distinction between the two types of bears and following specific park regulations is important for visitor safety and wildlife protection.
Why Yosemite Does Not Have Brown Bears
The absence of the brown bear, specifically the California Grizzly subspecies, is the direct result of extensive hunting throughout the state. Historically, the California Grizzly (Ursus arctos californicus) was widespread and features prominently on the state flag. Following the Gold Rush in 1848, settlers rapidly decimated the grizzly population, viewing the animals as a threat to livestock and property.
The species was systematically hunted, trapped, and poisoned, leading to its disappearance. The last known grizzly killed within the Yosemite region occurred around 1895. The last confirmed sighting of a California Grizzly in the state took place in 1924, near what is now Sequoia National Park. The California Grizzly was thus driven to extinction in the state.
The True Identity of Yosemite’s Bears
The bears that roam Yosemite are American Black Bears (Ursus americanus), which have adapted well to the park’s environment. Despite their name, the majority of black bears observed in Yosemite are not black but exhibit coats ranging from cinnamon to light brown. This color variation often confuses visitors who mistakenly believe they have spotted a brown bear or grizzly.
The black bear population is estimated to be between 300 and 500 individuals, inhabiting elevations between 3,000 and 8,000 feet. These animals are highly intelligent and possess an extraordinary sense of smell, attributes that draw them toward human food sources. An average adult female weighs around 150 pounds, while a male can reach approximately 250 pounds.
Black bears are opportunistic omnivores, with a diet that naturally includes grasses, berries, and acorns. They consume large amounts of calories in the fall to prepare for hibernation. Their success is due in part to their adaptability and ability to coexist in habitats closer to human activity. When a bear learns to associate human presence with an easy meal, it becomes “food-conditioned,” a behavioral change that often leads to property damage and public safety risks.
Essential Bear Safety Protocols
The management of bear behavior focuses heavily on preventing bears from accessing human food, a measure enforced by federal law. The park considers any item with a scent to be “food.” This includes:
- Meals and drinks
- Trash
- Toiletries
- Cosmetics
- Unwashed cooking gear
All scented items must be secured properly at all times.
For visitors in developed areas, bear-resistant food lockers are provided at every campsite and most trailhead parking lots to store all scented items. For those venturing into the wilderness overnight, the use of a hard-sided, bear-resistant food canister is mandatory. Counterbalance food hangs are not permitted.
Food may only be stored in a vehicle during daylight hours, out of sight, with windows completely closed. Park regulations require that all food be removed from vehicles and placed in a bear locker after dark, as bears can easily break into cars to investigate a scent. Failure to follow these strict storage regulations can result in severe penalties, including vehicle impoundment, eviction, and a fine of up to $5,000.
If a bear is encountered, visitors should maintain a distance of at least 50 yards. If a bear approaches, making loud noises, waving arms, and standing one’s ground is advised. Running or climbing a tree should be avoided.