Yosemite national park, California, USA

This park is nearly 1200 square miles in area and this surrounded on the south east by the Sierra national forest and on the north west by the stanislaus national forest. It is well known for a number of features, not least its cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams as well as glaciers and biological diversity. More than 90% of the park is designated wilderness and as such supports a wide variety of animals. 

Wildlife species found in the park include black bears, coyotes, raccoon, mountain kingsnake, Gilbert skink, white headed woodpecker, bobcat, river otter, grey fox, red fox, brown creeper, two species of skunk, cougar, spotted owl and a variety of bats. At higher elevations there are other animals such as whitetail jackrabbits, yellow bellied marmot, Clark’s nutcracker, pika and black Rosy Finch.

Despite the wealth of high quality habitats in Yosemite, brown bears California and condor and the least bell’s Vero have become extinct in the park in relatively recent times. The last wolves were hunted in the 1920s, and while they are yet to be photographed within the park they have been seen very close. The California brown bear, or grizzly, has been extinct for quite some time. It is likely to return on its own eventually but it would be good if it was given a helping hand -it’s decline was relatively rapid, back in 1850 there were thought to be at least 10,000 grizzly bears but by 1925 they were all gone.

Whether you want to drop in or spend a considerable amount of time here it is well worth a visit.