Q: When camping in Yosemite, capers need a bear box to store food. Does each camper have to buy a bear box from a mart? Or can each camper use a bear box in Yosemite national Park for free?
Bear boxes are available for free in approved campsites.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lockers.htm
When camping in Yosemite, campers are required to store their food in bear-resistant containers called bear boxes. These boxes are provided by the National Park Service (NPS) and are available for campers to use for free.
To access a bear box in Yosemite National Park, follow these steps:
1. Find a campground within the park that has bear boxes available. Many Yosemite campgrounds have bear boxes installed throughout their campsites.
2. Once you have reserved your campsite, check the campground map or contact the campground staff to confirm the availability and location of bear boxes.
3. Upon arrival, locate the bear box closest to your campsite. Bear boxes are often placed strategically, ensuring easy access for campers.
4. Open the bear box by entering the combination provided or turning the lock mechanism as instructed. Most bear boxes have a simple lock that can be opened by properly aligning the numbers.
5. Store your food, beverages, toiletries, and any other scented items inside the bear box. It is crucial to keep all scented items in the box to minimize attracting bears to your campsite.
6. Close and lock the bear box securely after use to prevent any unauthorized access and ensure the safety of your belongings and the bears.
Remember, bear boxes are designated for storing food and scented items only. They are not intended to store personal belongings or camping gear.
Using the provided bear boxes in Yosemite National Park helps reduce the risk of bear encounters and keeps both campers and bears safe.