Stay Bear Aware in Yosemite

If you see a bear in the wild, observe it quietly from at least 50 yards away. In developed areas, or if a bear approaches you, scare it off by yelling loudly and standing with others to appear larger. Never surround or corner a bear.

A black bear may bluff charge if it feels threatened, rushing forward and stopping abruptly while making noises or pawing the ground. Stay put, look big by raising your arms or backpack, and yell loudly. Once the bear backs away, you should too.

Bear attacks in Yosemite are extremely rare, and no one has been seriously injured by a bear in the park. If a black bear attacks, fight back and follow all safety guidelines.

Black bears have one of the best senses of smell of all wild animals, a keen sense of curiosity, and a huge appetite, eating 4,000 - 20,000 calories per day depending on the time of year. If they smell something that might be edible—even if it's a tube of toothpaste or a stick of gum—they will investigate. Store anything scented—food, toiletries, wrappers—in your hotel room with windows and doors securely closed or in metal food lockers. Proper storage keeps bears safe and prevents car break-ins.