While Yosemite's physical setting is breathtaking, its wildlife is also wondrous and more vulnerable. Several endangered species, including great grey owls, bighorn sheep, peregrine falcons and several kinds of amphibians dwell in the Park. While bears have been unnaturally domesticated, feasting on human food which has compromised their long term health, other animals have been displaced or have perished due to other environmental conditions that disrupt mating, feeding, and nesting behavior. Wildlife management projects seek to protect Yosemite's animal populations through carefully assessing environmental conditions that affect animals and implementing programs to aid their long-term survival and health.

Current Projects

• Grinnell Resurvey: Birds
  Funding Needed: $5,250
  The first exhaustive Grinnell Sierra Transect Survey of Yosemite flora and fauna was completed nearly a century ago and a repeat survey is now focused on cataloging birds at the original Grinnell sites. The new survey data will serve as baseline information that can be used to assess status and trends in the Park’s ecosystems. It will also provide Park managers with information about wildlife resources needed during the planning process.
• Songbird Research
  Funding Needed: $114,655
  Many species of Yosemite songbirds (including the Willow Flycatcher and Song Sparrow) are disappearing at an alarming rate. This project will investigate the extent and potential causes of the decline.

Reestablishment of bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons. Construction and installation of over 2,000 bear-proof food storage lockers to curtail incidents between humans and black bears and to keep bears from becoming habituated to human food.