Nature & Wildlife
- Black Bear. There are around 300-500 black bears that dwell in Yosemite National Park. ...
- Coyote. It is fairly common to see coyotes in the park. ...
- Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep. There are over 600 bighorn sheep in Yosemite National Park thanks to efforts to preserve the species. ...
- Mule Deer.
The invasive plants that Yosemite currently considers a high-priority for treatment are: yellow star-thistle, Himalayan blackberry, common velvet grass, Italian thistle, spotted knapweed, rush skeletonweed, Medusahead, and jointed goatgrass.
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Global climate change is impacting Yosemite. Worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rapid warming observed across the western US. Scientists project that average temperatures in the park may rise by 6.7–10.3°F between 2000 and 2100.
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The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees, near Yosemite's South Entrance, contains about 500 mature giant sequoia trees, perhaps the largest living things on Earth. The oldest Yosemite giant sequoia may exceed 3,000 years in age!
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Yosemite Park officials say ravens often get misidentified as crows. Though similar in appearance, officials say there are a few distinctions to identify one of the most commonly observed birds in the park. Starting with the bill, officials say a raven has a chisel shape, more robust than a crow.
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The name Yosemite is simply a corruption of the term which the southern Miwoks applied to any species of bear and particularly to the grizzly,2 and was given to the valley, as we shall see, because the white people who first came in contact with its native inhabitants called them Yosemites.
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Stay away from river and creek banks during high water conditions and avoid rock hopping. Stream polished rocks along the water's edge may be slippery when wet or dry. If you choose to cross a stream without a bridge, avoid deep and/or swift water.
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However, it's important to know your own abilities and hike within your limits—bringing the right layers, footwear, food and water. Trails at Yosemite range from relatively flat, smooth paths to steep, rocky cliffs with no guardrails. Study the trail maps and plan ahead to keep you and your hiking partners safe.
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