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Should I take bear spray to Yosemite?

In fact, it's considered a weapon, so bring all the Bug Off you want, but leave the bear spray at home. Bear bells should also be left at home. Bells are for grizzly bears, which don't live in Yosemite.



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Where to See Yosemite Bears. Black bears are scaredy cats. They mainly stay away from humans, but you have a good chance of seeing one in Yosemite National Park among oak trees and meadows. Since they don't like being around humans, black bears live and travel in heavily wooded areas.

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Food storage canisters are required in parts of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Inyo, Sierra and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, and in all of Yosemite, Desolation Wilderness, Lassen Volcanic National Parks and are necessary in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

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Bear spray and firearms are the last tools in your toolbox. They should not provide a false sense of security. It is recommended that you carry bear spray when hiking in bear country.

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Bear Attacks Attacks are rare—nobody has been killed or seriously injured by a bear in Yosemite. If a black bear approaches, always follow the above guidelines. If a black bear attacks while you're in Yosemite, fight back.

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Once in hibernation, bears in Yosemite typically don't become active again until late March or April.

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