…plus updates on bears and the closing of raft rentals.
YOSEMITE – On Monday, July 22, crews began mobilizing equipment and materials to begin improvements to the South Entrance Station area.
The project includes replacing the existing fee collection booths with three new ones, placed approximately 350 feet south of the their current location.
This project will include intermittent 15-minute delays with trucks crossing the existing roadway, and will start off with daytime work only. However, as work progresses it will also include nighttime operations. No weekend work is currently planned.
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2013. Motorists are urged to be cautious of the trucks and equipment while passing through the South Entrance Station area.
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Raft Rentals Closed for Season
Due to low water levels, Curry Village raft rentals have ended for the season.
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Yosemite Bear Facts: July 7 – July 13
Bear Activity Summary: Apples have started attracting the attention of bears this week in Yosemite Valley. Consequently, there has been an increase in bear sightings around the Valley.
Bears have also been active in campgrounds. This week and last week combined, there were 10 backcountry incidents involving a bear obtaining food or damaging backpacker’s property. Four of these incidents were due to backpackers improperly storing food (outside of a bear container).
Another four incidents involved a bear rolling a canister away from camp. Visitors are reminded to be sure to store canisters away from sleeping areas in the backcountry, but in a location that is away from cliffs and water-ways.
The last two incidents involved packs that were torn open by a bear.
Tuolumne Meadows continues to have active bears around the campground and in housing areas. Bears have obtained improperly stored food multiple times in the last month. Please protect your property, and the bears, by keeping all food, scented items, trash, and recycling out of your vehicle.
Actively scare bears out of developed areas by yelling at the bear, but never chase it towards a road.
If you see a bear during your visit please report it to the Save-A-Bear Hotline at 209-372-0322.
Red Bear, Dead Bear: So far this year, seven bears have been hit by vehicles. Please protect wildlife by obeying speed limits and paying attention while driving.
Interesting Bear Fact: Black bear young separate from their mothers after 16 to 18 months and are called yearlings.
Other Wildlife Sightings: Two mountain lions were sighted this week. One lion was seen crossing the road near the Wawona Campground and the other sighting was in Foresta.
For more information on mountain lions in Yosemite National Park, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/mountainlion.htm.
