It seems a tragedy that as millions of people come to visit the wild beauty of Yosemite National Park each year, many black bears succumb to the fate of being killed by cars or trucks driven by nature-loving visitors. Just this year alone, 13 black bears have already been killed by vehicles in Yosemite Park!
Black Bear cub
In order to make people more aware of the need to slow down while driving on Park roads, Yosemite rangers post signs at each location where a bear was killed by a vehicle. But despite years of publicity and the “red bear = dead bear” program to alert the public to bear deaths, the slaughter continues. …and although bears get a high level of attention, it’s obvious that lots of other wildlife also gets nailed as animals freeze in headlights or move too slowly to evade cars.
Yosemite Valley
Busy road-way in Yosemite Valley
North Dome
Bridalveil Fall
Can you (or others who you share this with) think of ways to help reduce bear deaths from vehicle traffic in this magical park?
Other common clashes between people and bears occur frequently at campgrounds and backcountry campsites where some bears become accustomed to scavenging for food that is stored improperly by people. If a bear becomes too accustomed to human food, a bear may have to be put down. While the Park staff goes out of its way to avoid killing problem bears, careless food storage by not-so-bright Park visitors can ultimately lead to the Park staff having no other choice. Frequently-fed bears gradually lose their fear of people and can pose unacceptable risk to public safety.
Black Bear caught on camera at one of CSERC’s photo detection stations
What do you think about these clashes between people and black bears? How can a balance be found between the enjoyment of the beauty of a place like Yosemite and the protection of the wildlife that depend on these places for survival?