Flora & Fauna

All of the Haleakala trails are closed today and until further notice. To check on trail status, please call 808-572-4400 and dial 0 to speak with a park representative. 

Please check back in with us on OhRanger.com to  post any other park questions you might have. If you're in Hawaii, we hope you stay safe during the storm!

In Yellowstone and Grand Teton, during that time of year you can expect temperatures from mid-50s to mid 60s. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for walking and hiking. You will also want to wear loose-fitting clothes so that you aren't uncomfortable. Dressing in layers will be helpful if the weather is unpredictable. Enjoy your trip and be sure to stop back at OhRanger.com and post pictures!

You may be surprised to learn that the tallest tree in the world not in Sequoia National Park but rather in in Redwood National Park.  It is a Coast Redwood, which is one of three species of sequoia trees (Sequoia sempervirens).  The tree is named Hyperion and stands 379.1 feet tall!  While Redwood trees are the tallest living things on earth, the largest trees by volume are Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron), the largest of which is named "General Sherman" and can be found in Sequoia National Park. This massive tree has a volume of 52,510 cubic feet!  The third species of sequoia tree is the Dawn Sequoia (metasequoia), which is found in Asia.  

Once you stand next to a sequoia tree, no matter which species, it will forever change the way you measure the scale of living things.  They're just awesome!  Have fun in the parks and come back to OhRanger.com with more of your questions and to answer some from other members of our community of park-lovers!

The chances of encountering a bear anywhere are greatly reduced if you follow some basic bear safety information.  Check out the home page of OhRanger.com for a brief video on how to stay safe in bear country.  Make your presence known by making noise and being aware of your surroundings.  In Yellowstone, you could encounter both grizzly and black bears, so be sure to know the difference (it's explained in the video).  Also, know that most bear encounters are a result of humans either having really bad luck (e.g. accidently rounding a bend and coming between a mother and her cubs) or from doing something stupid, like running away.  Bears are faster than you and, if you run, they assume you're something worth chasing.  Since there are significant differences in what to do if you accidentally encounter a grizzly vs. a black bear, please watch the video so you'll know before you go.  

In general, the odds of being attacked by a bear out on the trail are low, especially in proportion to the 4.5 million visitor that go to Yellowstone each year.  If you're lucky, you'll get to see one from a safe distance, as they're awesome to watch in their natural habitat. Remember, park regulations require that you stay 100 yards away from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other animals.  I'd rather be safe than sorry, so I try to keep even more distance between me and anything in nature that's completely unpredictable. (A bull bison once snuck up on me when I had my back turned on a small herd at Badlands that was about 300 yards away. Everything worked out okay, as I think he was just curious, but he came within 25 yards of me and it was pretty scary!)  

One more point about the bears at Yellowstone, word about their whereabouts spreads pretty quickly, so check in with a ranger or at a visitor center before you venture out to see if there were any recent sightings.  Have fun and let everyone know about your experiences here at OhRanger.com (maybe even post a picture of a bear if you're lucky enough to see one)!

First off, reduce your chances of getting lost in the wilderness by following these hiking safety tips.

Wilderness-survival.net is a great source for survial tips, including water procurement and finding edible plants.

As of now, firearms are not allowed in national parks.

Although a new law permitting concealed loaded firearms at national parks was passed in May, it will not take effect until February. The Interior Department will continue to enforce current restrictions until then.

Under the current regulation, firearms are generally prohibited in national parks, but citizens may transport unloaded and dismantled or cased firearms and carry firearms while participating in approved hunting programs and under certain other circumstances, according to a Department of Interior spokesperson.

Please remember that firearms regulations may vary by park. Check with the National Park Service or the park you plan to visit before your trip for most up-to-date information.

I ran into a black bear on the trail in Glacier National Park last week...

but that's nothing compared to the guy who used a chain saw to battle a
starving mountain lion
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090717/ap_on_re_us/us_mountain_lion_attack)
or the jogger who fended off an attacking grizzly
(http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2009/06/08/bnews/br13.txt) !!

Wow - this looks scary too! "Bison Gores Tourist at Yellowstone:" http://www.ohranger.com/yellowstone/news/2009/bison-gores-tourist-yellowstone

Most of the recent human rabies cases in the United States have been caused by rabies virus from bats so it's a good idea to consult your physician immediately.
Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory with the specimen. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example, in a room in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. You should never handle any bat.
Rabies is a fatal disease. If you have not already consulted your physician, you should do so immediately.

The best time to visit Yosemite depends largely on what you like to do because there really isn't a bad time to see this incredible park. I've outlined below some of the pros and cons of visiting during all four distinct seasons, but no matter when you visit, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Winter (December through March) Those who seek solitude and reflection will most likely want to visit the Park during the winter, when it is least crowded. It'll feel like you have the whole park to yourself—in fact, outside of the valley, you may not see another living soul. Areas to visit: While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga Road is closed (usually by sometime in November). Once closed for the season, vehicles are not permitted between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass, including in the Tuolumne Meadows area. The road to Glacier Point is also closed (usually sometime in November). However from mid-December though early April, the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road is plowed to the Badger Pass Ski Area, where both downhill and cross-country skiing are popular. Tire chains are often required on park roads. When they are, you must carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. What to do: The Badger Pass ski area, the first in California, opens as soon as enough snow accumulates and is a great place for good place for kids and beginners learning to ski. It is home to a terrain park and mostly beginner and intermediate slopes. A free shuttle connects the ski area with the Valley. If you're a strong cross-country skier, consider taking an overnight, guided cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point. You can also go snow tubing or take a guided snowshoe hike. Three of Yosemite's most popular events occur in winter: • Bracebridge Dinner: A Yosemite winter tradition since 1926, the Bracebridge is the ultimate Christmas feast. The four-hour pageant features more than 100 cast members and a seven-course meal that is an unforgettable experience. • Chef's Holidays: Held in January and February, these events features cooking demonstrations and a dinner prepared by some of the country's most prominent chefs. Go for it all, or just enjoy the gala dinners served on Tuesday and Thursday nights. • Vintner's Holidays: Held in late October and November, this event features wines and winemakers, wine-tasting seminars and a gourmet dinner prepared especially to complement featured vintners' wines. Climate: Winter in Yosemite is snowy and cold, though sunny and chilly days are not uncommon. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 53°F (12°C) / 28°F (-2°C) Rivers & Waterfalls: Water levels tend to be low, but once some snow and rain have fallen, Yosemite Falls begins flowing again (though not at springtime levels). If you get up early on a cold morning, you may see Yosemite Falls frozen solid and hear it as it expands and contracts (and eventually falls to the ground). SPRING: While Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, the Tioga and Glacier Point Roads remain closed due to snow, often until late May. Tire chains sometimes are required even during spring. When they are, you should carry and know how to use them, regardless of the type of vehicle you are driving. Climate: Highly variable, with sunny and relatively warm days, but still an occassional winter storm. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 69°F (21°C) / 39°F (4°C) Rivers & Waterfalls: As warmer weather begins to melt the snow, the entire park begins rushing with water. You may see many small, unnamed waterfalls and cascades all along the Valley rim. Larger creeks and rivers, along with the better known waterfalls, tend to reach peak runoff in May or June. SUMMER (June through September) Summer has the most welcoming climate, and not surprisingly, is the season when most visitors come to enjoy the park. All areas of the park are usually accessible by car by late May or early June, although services along the Tioga Road often open a bit later in June. What to do: • Hike one of the parks many trails, including the Half Dome trail • Learn to climb at Yosemite Mountain Institute (www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_RockClimbing.aspx) • Go tubing through Yosemite Valley down the Merced River • Visit the mariposa grove of sequoias • Visit the park's high country, • Take a ranger-led Valley Tour on the park's famed "green dragons" Climate: Warm to hot, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations). Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 87°F (31°C) / 51°F (10°C) Rivers & Waterfalls: Most of the water flowing in Yosemite comes from snowmelt in the high country, so runoff decreases during the dry summer. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Other waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow can be very low by late summer. Wildflowers: Yosemite Valley & Wawona: Most blooming occurs in June, with redbud, Sierra onion, lupine, Mariposa lily, pentstemon, and flowering dogwood beginning in May. Tuolumne Meadows: The season begins in late summer for subalpine flowers. Beginning around July, look for little elephant's heads, gentian, pentstemon, yarrow, and shooting stars. Autumn (October & November) Autumn is one of the best times to visit Yosemite. Crowds diminish with the start of the school season, but weather remains temperate. Lower temperatures make hiking and rock-climbing more comfortable. Cyclists prefer visiting during the fall because roads are far less congested and temperatures are far more pleasing. Areas to visit: All areas of the park usually remain open through October, and sometimes into November. However short-term closures may occur due to snow. Along the Tioga Road, services often are not available after September and overnight parking is not permitted after October 14th. Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, however tire chains may be required, depending on conditions. What to do: • Park your car at Tunnel View and ride your bike to Glacier Point (always wear a helmet). • Learn to climb or mountaineer • Visit Hetch Hetchy (www.ohranger.com/yosemite/poi/hetch-hetchy) • Take a free guided photo walk with the Ansel Adams Gallery (www.anseladams.com) Climate: Quite variable, with weather ranging from hot to cold, dry to rainy or snowy. Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 54°F (12°C) / 35°F (2°C) Rivers & Waterfalls: Water levels tend to be very low, with waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) containing little or no water. Some waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow slows to a trickle by fall. Fall colors: Yosemite is not known for having spectacular fall colors because most of the trees are evergreen. Still, big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods, and other deciduous trees tend to be showy around mid-October.