All bears in these parks are American black bears (Ursus americanus).
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Weapons (including, but not limited to, BB, Pellet and Paint Guns, Bow/Arrow, Slingshots, Bear Spray and other compressed gas irritant devices) are illegal to possess. Discharge of a firearm or weapon is prohibited within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Harris, Samantha Winiecki-Love, Ryan Slezak and Colibri Ecological Consulting via CDFW. On August 11, 2023, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that a new pack of gray wolves (Canis lupus) has been confirmed within Sequoia National Forest in Tulare County, CA!
Bobcats and mountain lions are common throughout the foothills of the parks. While you may catch a glimpse of a bobcat, mountain lions are rarely seen.
If visitors spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear. The last known grizzly bear was shot outside the Yosemite region in the early 1920s; the species no longer exists in California despite its presence on the California state flag.
Visit the Parker Group SequoiasThis is a group of giant sequoia trees that are huddled close to each other. We were thrilled to get up and close to some of the largest Sequoia trees. Unlike the General Sherman Tree, which is fenced off, one can walk up close to these trees and even touch them.
No bear spray allowed in Yosemite National ParkRangers from Yosemite say there just isn't a need for the spray. The park doesn't have grizzlies (the main reason someone would carry bear spray in the first place). Even though about 500 black bears do roam the park, Yosemite has never reported a bear-on-human attack.
Bears and Other WildlifeBryce Canyon is home to many animals including mountain lions, coyotes and black bears. Squirrels, snakes and other small animals may also be present near your campsite.
Fourteen of the parks' reptile species are snakes, five are lizards, one is a skink, and one is a turtle. You can get a complete checklist by visiting the NPSpecies tool below. Western rattlesnake (above) and gopher snake mimicking rattlesnake (below).