Wildlife K-9 Handler Team in Yosemite National Park!
Lead Bear Technician, Erin DeGutis, and Wildlife K-9 “Yoshi” are working hard to keep wild bears wild in Yosemite! Yoshi helps DeGutis track black bears in front country areas like campgrounds and push bears away from human-use areas: areas where bears are coming into conflict with people! A large part of this work involves securing bear attractants and educating park visitors about bear safety before conflicts occur.
Friendly and engaging KBDs like Yoshi functions as “Wildlife Ambassadors” when educating park visitors, helping to create meaningful and informed connections between people and bears! Wind River Bear Institute works to keep park visitors safe and wild bears on the landscape, especially in heavily visited areas like Yosemite Valley.
Photos by @jhadleyphoto 