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Yosemite National Park Lodging and Activities California United States - Health & Safety
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Safety First, Adventure Always

Stay safe in Yosemite with essential tips on hiking, wildlife, and water safety. Protect yourself and the park's wildlife by following simple guidelines for a worry-free adventure.
Water Safety Yosemite National Park Lodging and Activities - California - United States

Water Safety

Flowing water can look calm but may be deceptively dangerous. Even a meandering river can whisk someone away in an instant. Stay clear of slippery rocks near the water's edge and never go near the water at the top of a waterfall.
Yosemite National Park Lodging and Activities California United States - Hiking Safety

Hiking Safety

Hiking in Yosemite is incredible but know your limits. Wear proper shoes and bring gear, food, water, and layers. Trails range from flat paths to steep, rocky climbs with no guardrails. Study the trail maps and plan ahead! The National Park Service has more hiking safety tips.
Yosemite National Park Lodging and Activities California United States - Wildlife Safety

Wildlife Safety

Keep food secure—this is the most important rule for wildlife safety in Yosemite. Feeding animals teaches them to associate humans with food, which can lead to aggressive behavior. Tragically, bears that threaten people or break into buildings and cars must sometimes be euthanized. Do your part: store all food in bear-resistant containers while camping and keep it away from all wildlife.
  • Vector-Borne Diseases

    While it's unlikely, visitors to Yosemite may be exposed to vector-borne diseases. Wildlife in the park can transmit illnesses like plague, rabies, and hantavirus. Keeping your distance from animals and storing food properly protects both you and the wildlife from harm and potential disease.

    Here are some general tips to reduce your risk:

    • Avoid contact with wildlife and keep food and trash stored properly.
    • Avoid contact with mosquitoes and ticks.
    • Avoid touching live or dead rodents, do not touch rodent nests or dens.
    • Use an effective insect repellent.
    • Find and remove ticks from your body, clothing, backpacks, children, and pets. Soon after going indoors, bathe or shower, then conduct a full-body tick check using a mirror.
    • Avoid sleeping in rodent-infested areas or near animal burrows.
    • If you see evidence of rodent activity in your room or other facility, contact park staff (don't clean it up yourself).
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

    Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.

    • Keep food sealed tightly and secure.
    • If staying in tent cabins, avoid sleeping directly on the ground, use a cot or other sleeping surface that is at least 12 inches above ground.
    • Discard all trash in accordance with area regulations.
    • If you see evidence of rodent activity in your room or other facility, contact park staff (don't clean it up yourself).

    The California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites contain important information that can help you recognize and reduce your risk of contracting Hantavirus.

  • Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF)
    Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria carried by soft ticks. TBRF typically causes flu-like symptoms that disappear quickly after a few days. This is followed by a return (or relapse) of symptoms a few days later.
  • Plague
    Plague is a highly infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting rodents. Humans and other animals can get plague if they come into contact with wild animals naturally infected or carrying the disease.
  • Lyme Disease
    People get Lyme disease when a tick infected with the Lyme disease bacterium attaches and feeds on them. If you are bitten by a tick, and later experience flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor and mention you had a tick bite.
  • Rabies

    Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is usually passed to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. If you encounter a mammal, particularly a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bat, behaving erratically, don't touch the animal. Instead, report the animal to a park employee.

    The California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites contain important information that can help you recognize and reduce your risk of contracting Hantavirus.

  • Medical Care and Emergencies
    Yosemite Medical Clinic offers care for visitors. For emergencies, dial 911 just as you would anywhere else to ensure prompt assistance.
  • Keeping You Safe
    Yosemite's Search & Rescue Team works tirelessly to protect visitors. Learn from their Preventive Search and Rescue blog to avoid dangerous situations and ensure a safe visit.
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