@outdoorwiseliving: A “brown bear” you see in Yosemite? It’s a black bear. There are no wild grizzly bears in California. The California grizzly once roamed the state, but was driven to extinction here in the early 1900s. California has only one wild bear species today: the American black bear. “Black bear” is the species, NOT the color. Black bears can be black, brown, cinnamon or even blond. In fact, most black bears in Yosemite have brown fur. So if you see a brown bear in Yosemite, you didn’t discover a secret population of grizzlies. It’s still a black bear. The National Park Service estimates roughly 300–500 black bears live in the park. Here’s what to know if you encounter one: 1) GIVE THEM SPACE Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) from bears in Yosemite. Never approach one for a photo. 2) DON’T RUN If you encounter a bear, don’t run or turn your back. Give it an escape route. 3) IF IT APPROACHES, GET BIG + LOUD In Yosemite, if a bear approaches you or is in a developed area, yell, make noise and scare it away. If you’re with others, stand together. 4) NEVER GIVE IT FOOD Not even to distract it. Bears that associate humans with food can become increasingly bold and dangerous. 5) IF A BLACK BEAR ATTACKS, FIGHT BACK Don’t play dead. NPS guidance is to fight back vigorously, focusing on the bear’s face and muzzle. One more Yosemite surprise: bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite National Park. That’s also why copying bear advice from somewhere like Yellowstone can get confusing. Grizzly country can require different encounter strategies. Remember: California bear = black bear species. Black bear ≠ black fur. Brown fur ≠ grizzly. SAVE this before your next California hike and SHARE it with someone heading to Yosemite.

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Thursday 10 September 2026 00:25:25 GMT