Bear resistant food containers (“bear canisters”) are required for overnight hikers throughout the Wilderness (counterbalance food hangs are no longer legal). In Yosemite and the southern Sierra, bear canisters are the only effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food.
Which bear canisters are approved?
The Best Bear Canisters
| Model | Weight | IGBC Approved |
|---|---|---|
| WILD IDEAS BEARIKADE THE WEEKENDER | 1 lb 15 oz | No |
| URSACK S29 | 7.8 oz | Yes and No |
| BEARVAULT 500 | 2 lb 9 oz | Yes |
| GARCIA BACKPACKER CACHE 812 | 2 lb 12 oz | Yes |
Can you use bear bags in Yosemite?
You must use allowed bear-resistant food containers throughout the Yosemite Wilderness to store all your food.
Will I see a bear in Yosemite?
They are spotted in the meadows, in the Pines campgrounds, in the Curry Village area, in the Lodge parking lot, and along the one way roads in and out of Yosemite Valley. People also spot them at Glacier Point, and while driving the Tioga Road. It really is just a matter of getting lucky.
How big of a bear canister do I need?
There’s a simple rule of thumb for figuring out how many days of food you can fit into a bear canister. Find out the capacity of your bear canister in cubic inches and divide by 100. That will give you a pretty good approximate of the number of days of food you can cram into it.
How common are bear attacks in Yosemite?
Attacks are rare—nobody has been killed or seriously injured by a bear in Yosemite.
Where are most bears in Yosemite?
Many times in winter we’ve come across a bear roaming. This time of year, because of fewer people in the park, you’ll see bears in more popular areas, such as near the Lower Yosemite Falls trails or on the Mirror Lake Trail. These winter sightings happen more in November and December, before the heavy snow falls.
How far away should a bear canister be?
100 yards
Prepare food, eat, and store your bear-resistant food canister at least 100 yards downwind from your tent. Store your canister on the ground hidden in brush or behind rocks. Do not place canister near a cliff or water source. Bears may knock the canister around or roll it down a hill.
