California's Yosemite National Park closed for Covid-19: hundreds of brown bears are taking the opportunity to party in freedom, sheltered from visitors
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himThe bears that live in California's Yosemite National Park know well by now that with the return of spring, thousands of visitors also arrive punctually. This year, however, when they woke up from their lethargy they were surprised not to find people around and they are taking the opportunity to party in that wonderful park that is finally entirely at their disposal.
Yosemite National Park, which is home to around 400 black bears, was closed to the public on March 20 due to the coronavirus emergency. Every year it is visited by millions of people, curious to observe these extraordinary animals that can exceed one meter in height and weigh up to about 200 kilos.
“While so many things have changed for humans in the past few weeks, it's reassuring to see that nature moves on as it always has. Wild animals are becoming more active, perhaps enjoying having the park to themselves. "
they write on the Californian park's Instagram page.
"Bears literally walk the road to get where they need to go",
Ranger Katie Patrick said last Sunday during a Facebook live broadcast. Katie Patrick, known as Ranger Katie, works for the bear-human management program, mitigating the conflicts that arise when humans and bears are so close to each other.
"I think they're having a party"
explained in response to questions about what the animals have been doing since Yosemite closed on March 20.
Behind the Scenes: Bear Management
Join us in Cook's Meadow for a live conversation with Ranger Katie, a wildlife biologist who's worked with black bears in Yosemite for over ten years. Learn how and why rangers track bears, and leave your questions in the comments!Check out more episodes: https://www.facebook.com/watch/138795446168746/165218158164727/
Posted by Yosemite National Park on Sunday, April 12, 2020
"This time of year is normally difficult for the animals of Yosemite Park, as there may be walls of cars, traffic or people in the park, especially in the urban-type area."
clarifies.
In recent weeks, however, they have free reign and can move around undisturbed: indeed, this spring has turned into a real party for them. Lately, some videos have been published on the park's Facebook and Instagram channels showing black bears free in the woods and in desolate streets.
Yosemite black bear climbing a tree
Yosemite National Park is home to about 300-500 black bears. Though there hasn't been an increase in their population since the park closure, bears have been seen more frequently than usual, likely due to the absence of visitors in Yosemite Valley.If you tuned into our livestream yesterday, wildlife biologist Ranger Katie showed us how Yosemite's bear team uses radio collars to track some of the park's bears, and we picked up the signal of a large male bear in the meadow nearby! Shortly afterward, that same bear was caught on camera by one of our volunteers, who watched from the window of the Rangers' Club as it climbed up a nearby tree. The bear sat high on a branch for a little while and then struggled to decide how to safely get back down, making this one of the more entertaining wildlife sightings we've had this spring!Check out yesterday's livestream to learn more about Yosemite's black bears and how we can all help to keep them wild: https://www.facebook.com/YosemiteNPS/videos/664884761011559/You can also find information about protecting Yosemite's iconic bears at www.KeepBearsWild.org
Posted by Yosemite National Park on Monday, April 13, 2020
“It could be said that spring, summer and autumn represent a great meal for a black bear. If so, then grass is a bear's favorite springtime appetizer. Lately the bears have been active in Yosemite Valley and have been busy grazing on the fresh spring grass. "
explain from Yosemite National Park.
Bear enjoying spring grass in Yosemite Valley
It could be said that spring, summer, and fall are just one big meal to a black bear. If that's the case, then grass is a bear's favorite springtime appetizer! Bears have been active in Yosemite Valley lately, and they've all been busy grazing on fresh spring grass. Check out this bear that we spotted yesterday around lunchtime, mowing the grass just across from Yosemite Village!
Posted by Yosemite National Park on Thursday, April 9, 2020
Thus, while we humans are closed within our domestic walls, even bears can enjoy this respite and continue their party in nature, away from prying visitors.
Source: Facebook / EcoWatch
