Wildlife biologists estimate that more than 450 bears have been hit on roadways in Yosemite since 1995, making vehicle collisions one of the leading causes of black bear mortality in the region. The number has alarmed officials, considering only 300 to 500 black bears live in Yosemite. As of July 2021, 8 bears have been struck and killed by speeding cars. The recent death of a 6-month-old bear cub has sparked public outrage! We demand justice for the baby bear and for the grieving mother bear! 

We are asking that wildlife in Yosemite are able to live in peace, safe from the irresponsible behavior of visitors. We believe the best way to achieve safety for the bears and all wildlife is for the National Park Service to institute a shuttle service. Tourists would no longer be able to harm wildlife with their reckless driving if they were required to ride a shuttle bus with the accompaniment of a park docent or volunteer. (There need be exceptions, via permits, for First Nations [Paiute & Miwok] who hold cultural ceremonies in Yosemite as well as for workers who live near the park and must access the road for daily work.) 

A fine of $2,500 should be imposed immediately for anyone who drives 10 mph over the speed limit. We also want heavier fines for people harassing wildlife and littering. More signs must be posted to announce the heavier penalty of reckless endangerment of wildlife. Until the shuttle service has been implemented, we also want large speed bumps and cameras to be installed around the park to capture speeding drivers for accountability. Our beloved Yosemite wildlife must be protected!