This is bear country
When you visit Yosemite remember that even if you have a
few paved roads this is still a wild habitat. It is estimated that somewhere
between 300 to 500 black bears call Yosemite home. Black bears are omnivores
and will eat almost anything. They spend most of their days foraging for
seeds, berries, acorns, and insects and unfortunately, many Yosemite bears
have also perfected the skill of obtaining food from humans. Each year some
bears must be killed by the park rangers because they have become too
aggressive in the search for human food, causing damage to property as well
as sometimes injuring tourists. But the bears are not to blame. If you care
about your property and park wildlife, do not leave food in your car. In
fact, never leave food unattended. Eat it, discard it in one of the bear
proof garbage cans provided throughout the park or use a food storage
locker also available for public use throughout the park. Also store any
scented item in the bear-proof lockers. When Yosemite's bears become
accustomed to eating human food and garbage, they will often continue to
seek it out and some may even resort to intimidating humans in order to get
more. Not to talk about the fact that their role in the park's natural
environment is altered. Do not underestimate a bear's intelligence,
strength, or reach. Never approach a mother with cubs. She may attack in
defense of her young.
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