Yosemite RACCOON reporting!

The new frontier of human-wildlife conflict: Raccoons!

These intelligent, adaptable mammals originally only occupied the south central United States, but are now found in almost every environment in the USA and parts of Canada. The expansion of agriculture, human development, and urbanization across the country as well as the removal of some of the main predators of raccoons; caused a HUGE population boom in the 40s, followed by an enormous range expansion from the 50s onwards until raccoons occupied essentially the entire country.

There are anecdotal records of raccoons in Yosemite since at least the 70's or 80's, and have had a profound impact on the people - and, possibly, the ecosystem as well. We know now that raccoon damage (monetarily) has surpassed bear damage in some areas of the park; with raccoons foraging on human food in and around campsites, tent cabins, parking areas and food service locations.

Many locals love the raccoons, perhaps because habituated raccoons can provide up-close and personal wildlife observations, fostering a sense of place and connection to nature. Visitors have mixed opinions- some are excited to see the animals foraging around at night, others are annoyed or angry that they lose backpacks and belongings to the nocturnal scavengers.

This project began because there is a LOT we do not know about the raccoons in the park. How many are there? Where do they live? Are they affecting endangered species that ecologists are trying to reintroduce into the park? Are Yosemite locals or visitors at risk for zoonotic (wildlife!) diseases, living in such close proximity to raccoons? And, are there ways we can learn to coexist with these endearing and intelligent mesocarnivores who have taken up residence here in our park?

Citizen science is one way you (residents, visitors, and other park stakeholders!) can help us (wildlife ecologists, biologists, technician, managers, and researchers) better understand park raccoon populations, and help inform better management decisions into the future for Yosemite and it's wild ecology. menos ↑