Yosemite National Park Wildlife

The pure beauty of Yosemite is not limited to the rock formations, waterfalls, and other natural wonders that occur in this valley. You can find just as much wonderment in exploring the wildlife that calls this glorious valley home, which includes more than 250 species of vertebrates in the National Park alone. There are many fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, reptiles, and birds to be found all over Yosemite National Park.

The high amount of wildlife in the park is largely a result of the protected nature of the park. Wildlife is less abundant outside of the park, because human activity has degraded the habitats and destroyed the places that many animals called home. You can enjoy the natural wildlife better from all of the Yosemite cabin rentals available throughout the area.

The plant life in Yosemite is just as varied as the wildlife. You will find coniferous forests full of ponderosa pines, sugar pines, incense cedar trees, white fir, Douglas fir, and a few areas of oaks and giant sequoias. Due to the mild and lower-elevation climate, many species of wildlife thrive in this habitat, including black bears, bobcats, gray foxes, mountain king snakes, spotted owls, and a variety of bat species. The large snags and juts of cliffs are used for roosting sites for the bats that call the valley home.

The higher elevation causes Yosemite wildlife to differ greatly, in part because of the climate change, but also as a result of the plants and landscapes that will survive in the higher altitudes. There are less complex landscapes, which deter much wildlife from settling here for fear of not being able to hide adequately and find the food that they need. Here you are more likely to find ground squirrels and birds, along with the occasional lizard or snake, which are not excessively popular in this part of the park. The higher the elevation goes, the fewer animals are found. At the highest point in the park, the only species you will find in most places are birds. However, near Tioga pass, you can find a small population of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Yosemite wildlife is as varied throughout the park and valley as the rock formations and other natural wonders will allow. There are many meadows within the park area which provide great shelter and productive habitats for those animals who reside there. There are many species which have become extinct over time, and 37 different species that are protected by Federal and State legislation, allowing them to thrive in their environment. Climate change, air pollution, wildfires, and even road kills affect the wildlife in this area on a regular basis.