The Yosemite National Park located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has around 4 million visitors for a year, and 11000 per day.
Now with this pandemic lockdown underway, emboldened animals are roaming freely. They were captured on camera as serenity returns, waterfalls cascade down from snowy peaks, Coyotes calmly explore and bears roam freely. And even usually shy and elusive bobcats are popping up.
This world-famous Yosemite is the jewel in the crown amongst the United States’ numerous magnificent national parks and it is known for its biological diversity and breathtaking scenery: granite cliffs, mountains, meadows, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and crystal clear streams. Also, there are 1300 km of hiking trails and 560 km of roads. And normally at this time of year – the start of Spring, the park would be packed with tourists, but Yosemite became one of the first national parks to close it’s gates for this situation and has been shut since March 20.
In a statement by the Yosemite Park was said: “While so much has changed for humans in recent weeks, it’s reassuring to see that nature carries on as it always has. Spring seems to be slowly creeping into the valley, the sun finally emerging after a week or two of rain and snow. Waterfalls are gradually picking up momentum, and wildlife is becoming more active, perhaps enjoying having the park mostly to themselves.”
While so much has changed for humans in recent weeks, it’s reassuring to see that nature carries on as it always has. Relax with us for a moment as we share a peek into Yosemite Valley during the current park closure. pic.twitter.com/WiQDLbCogV
— Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) April 2, 2020
It could be said that spring, summer, and fall are just one big meal to a black bear. If that’s the case, then grass is a bear’s favorite springtime appetizer! Check out this bear that we spotted yesterday around lunchtime, mowing the grass just across from Yosemite Village! pic.twitter.com/Gcgn184lyY
— Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) April 10, 2020
Photo credits: YosemiteNPS