With Fewer Rangers, Squirrels Take Over Yosemite Trails

With ranger staffing dwindling in Yosemite National Park, a new force has emerged to claim the trails and picnic tables—squirrels. And they’re not being shy about it.

According to a recent SFGate report, the park is seeing a surge in aggressive squirrel behavior, particularly around popular areas like Vernal Fall. Visitors are being swarmed by rodents bold enough to snatch snacks, dig through backpacks, and even bite in their quest for human food.

Since 2017, the National Park Service has lost nearly a quarter of its staff following federal downsizing under the Trump administration. Fewer rangers on the ground means less oversight and fewer opportunities to educate visitors on wildlife safety. As a result, more tourists are feeding animals—both on purpose and by accident.

The consequences? Emboldened wildlife, increased litter, and a reversal of years of progress in keeping animals wild and humans safe. Squirrels accustomed to handouts can abandon their natural foraging habits and become emboldened to pester humans.

The message is clear: keep your snacks to yourself, pack out your trash, and don’t treat squirrels like furry beggars. Yosemite’s wild charm depends on it.