Yosemite Ranger Notes

About This Blog

Ranger-naturalists have been interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Yosemite for park visitors for nearly a century. In this blog, some of Yosemite's park rangers share recent observations from around Yosemite.

All posts are shown below, or you can view posts by topic.

The Parasitic Mind-Controlling Worms of Yosemite!

November 20, 2015 Posted by: BA - Park Ranger (Yosemite Valley)

I am often approached in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center with oddities found while exploring Yosemite National Park. About a week ago, I was brought some particularly interesting photos of a long and skinny worm found in a puddle near North Pines Campground.

 

Bear Series, Part Three: The Return of the California Grizzly

November 05, 2014 Posted by: PB - Park Ranger (Yosemite Valley)

As a park ranger I am often asked by visitors from around the world what species of bear currently lives in Yosemite. People are often surprised when I tell them that only the American black bear lives here now. I am quick to point out to visitors that Yosemite was indeed once also home to the brown bear, which was often called the California grizzly.

 

The American Dipper

March 29, 2014 Posted by: CF - Park Ranger (Yosemite Valley)

The American dipper is North America’s only aquatic songbird and are typically found near clear, cold, streams, and swift moving rivers (like the Merced). Their main diet consists of underwater invertebrates and even with the frigid winter water and air temperatures, the dipper will forage all year round. This little bird has thoroughly adapted to this semi-underwater lifestyle.

 

An Uncommon Sighting on a Smoky Saturday

September 12, 2013 Posted by: EH - Park Ranger (Yosemite Valley)

Despite the recent shroud of smoke in Yosemite Valley, there is still much to see. Although common elsewhere, only eight sightings of great egret are known in Yosemite.

 

Last updated: March 27, 2021

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