Park Rangers Go Apple Picking at California's Yosemite National Park to Keep Bears Away From People

These apple trees, planted by nineteenth-century settlers, are the oldest orchards in the national park system.Photo byNPS

Yosemite National Park is embracing a unique tradition this summer by harvesting apples from historic orchards to prevent bears from venturing into busy areas like Curry Village.

These apple trees, planted by nineteenth-century settlers, are the oldest orchards in the national park system, producing rare heirloom varieties that connect the park to its past.

Park staff and volunteers are picking the apples just as they ripen to reduce the temptation for black bears to approach human-populated areas in search of food. By harvesting these apples, the park aims to keep bears relying on natural food sources, ensuring a "WILD summer" for Yosemite's wildlife.

Not only does this effort help protect the bears, but it also allows the park to enjoy the fruits of their labor in the form of pies, sauces, and crumbles made from these historic apples.