How To Spot Wildlife in Yosemite

2 min readJul 28, 2017By Anne Lowrey

Hi, I'm Anne!

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer and book editor based in San Francisco. She believes passionately in the balance of travel and home. Find her at parttimetraveler.com and @anne_elizabeth on Twitter and Instagram.

Many make the trip into Yosemite National Park in search of mountain peaks, waterfalls, and the area’s varied wildlife. But it can be hard to spot some of the park’s 400+ species of animals. Here are the best ways to see bears, foxes and more.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

1. Visit with an experienced naturalist guide

who knows the park well. Tour guides can share the best places to see animals, as well as information about the various species.

Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite

Walk to soaring cliffs and alpine meadows on a private, guided hiking tour of Yosemite National Park. Tailor this 5- or 6-hour trip to your interests and ability, then find your perfect trail into the wilderness. Learn about the history and ecology of the High Sierra as you walk alongside your guide, and find uncrowded paths in the heart of the park. Enjoy a backcountry picnic and discover stunning views of the Yosemite Valley or High Country, or challenge yourself to take on a longer hike with more elevation gain.... More

4 to 6 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$292.50

Price varies by group size

2. Head to meadows

such as Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne, which are rich habitats where animals are more likely to be seen. At higher elevations, groves of the famous giant sequoias offer bountiful biodiversity.

Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour

Take a tour that lets you immerse yourself in the park. Our guides are master naturalists, botanists, geologists, historians, and - most importantly - relentlessly curious! This is not just a sightseeing tour, it's a day all about learning and connection. This tour includes short hikes to Taft Point and the Fissures and Sentinel Dome, a visit to Glacier Point, and a short hike in Mariposa Grove either at the start or end of the day. You'll be covering about 6 miles in total throughout the day on mild to moderate trails and will be taking in huge diversity of landscapes - many of which include 360 views of the park from above. Groups are capped at 8 participants. If you're booking more than 4 spots, please inquire about a private tour. If we do not meet the minimum number of spots booked, registrants will be offered an option to make the tour private for an additional charge or cancel for a full refund.... More

6 to 8 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$299.00

What You Can See

Black bears, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, and bighorn sheep are some of the most commonly spotted mammals at Yosemite National Park. There are also more than 250 species of birds, plus a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including three species that can only be found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, and the Yosemite toad.

Tips for Wildlife Viewing

Stay quiet. Large and small animals will both steer clear of loud noises or rapid movements.
Avoid large groups of people. Wild animals are not likely to be found near crowds.
Look for animal tracks. Evidence of an animal’s presence is the best clue that they may be nearby.
Do not disturb the animals’ habitats. Respect the home of wildlife, and do not cause harm to them or yourself in an attempt to encounter animals.
Check in with a National Park Service ranger they have the latest information and tips for wildlife viewing.

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