Читать книгу 50 Best Short Hikes: Yosemite National Park and Vicinity онлайн

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RATTLESNAKES Western rattlesnakes, venomous vipers, are common up to elevations of 8,000 feet, although they can be found as high as 11,000 feet in midsummer. A triangular head; a regular pattern of beige, brown, and black splotches on their back; and a tail of rattles identify the species. That said, do not pick up any snakes, as rattlesnakes can vary considerably in color and young individuals do not yet have rattles. These rattlesnakes are not aggressive and give the characteristic tail shake—or rattle—to alert you to their presence. However, they will bite if threatened and when curled have a strike range of several feet. Note that most snakebites occur to people handling the snake or to rock climbers unknowingly placing a hand on a snake-containing ledge.

DEER AND BEARS It is natural to be a little intimidated by Yosemite’s black bears, but they have caused no fatalities and few injuries in Yosemite. All they want is your food. Be sure to store unattended food in bear lockers and keep your lunch and snacks with you at all times. If a bear does get hold of your food, it is hers; don’t try to reclaim ownership of it. On the other hand, the seemingly harmless deer have actually caused several fatalities because people are more likely to attempt to retrieve stolen food from a deer. Heed the advice of signs throughout the park: don’t approach or feed wildlife. Note that all bears in Yosemite are American black bears, but they range in color from light brown to black.