Bears
Share space, not food!
The grizzly once called these parks home. Today this symbol of California is
extinct throughout the state, but the savvy Sierra black bear still ranges from the
foothills to the high country. Much smaller than the grizzly, male black bears rarely reach
400 pounds here; females may grow to 250 pounds. Despite their name, black bears can be
brown, cinnamon, or blonde.
In mild winters some bears stay active, but most spend winter in dens,
typically in the base of a rotted fir tree. The young are born there, usually two to a
litter, and weighing less than 1/2 pound.
By spring, cubs have gained five pounds but adults have lost up to 50% of
their weight during winter hibernation. So they emerge to seek sustenance from grasses and
tender herbs and whatever carrion they can find. They rely on meadow plants until berries
begin to ripen. Bears eat relatively little meat.
A cycle of unnatural behavior begins when normally shy and timid bears
learn to associate people with food. Yearlings, in their first season away from mom, know
the least about finding wild foods and are most vulnerable. They may be the first to
become campground bears and the most difficult to return to a natural diet.
These intelligent animals identify food not only by smell, but by
appearance - bags, cans, coolers, and even cars become tempting. Once one ice chest or car
yields food, bears don't hesitate to pry open others to check for our protein-rich,
high-calorie food. Food storage is required, and almost every campsite has a metal storage
box. If there is a box, you must use it. Lodge guests should bring anything inside that
might have the smell or appearance of food.
If bears grow used to getting our food, they lose their natural fears and
become bold and aggressive. To deter such destructive behaviors, biologists may trap,
radio-collar, and track them in order to scare them off, but all this rarely succeeds.
Because all wildlife is protected in national parks, a problem bear is killed only as a
last resort, but it does happen. Each of us is responsible for preventing this. |
Cougar Country
Pretty Kitty, but stay your distance!
Mountain lions, or cougars, roam throughout these parks, although your
chances of seeing one of these secretive animals are small. The likelihood of encountering
an aggressive lion is even more remote, although cougars have been known to attack people
and pets. Still, it is wise to be prepared. Avoid hiking alone. Watch children closely,
never letting them run ahead of you on the trail. If you do meet up with a mountain lion,
the goal is to convince it that you are not prey and may be dangerous yourself. Remember
the following tips:* Don't run. Cougars may chase things
that run because they associate running with prey.
* Do not crouch down: try to appear as large as possible. Attempts to
hide are unsuccessful; cougars see most people long before people spot them.
* Hold your ground, or move away slowly while facing the lion.
* If you have little children with you, pick them up.
* If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw
stones or sticks at it.
* If attacked, fight back!
* Report any cougar sightings to a ranger.
Their solitary nature, as well as the cougars' tendency to live in remote
areas, explains why we know relatively little about these graceful cats. Cougars once
ranged from northern Canada through South America and from coast to coast. Probably no
other native land mammal in this hemisphere had a more extended range from north to south.
Due to hunting and loss of habitat, they have been creatures largely of the west since the
1920s.
It is the largest carnivore in these parks, the top of a food chain, and
thereby an indicator of the whole system's health. When visiting lion habitat, we must
understand the cats' survival behaviors, and act accordingly to protect ourselves.... and
them. |
