Currently, there is lack of information regarding the abundance and movements of raccoon population living in Yosemite National Park. Recently, close human-raccoon interactions have been increasingly reported in Yosemite V
alley, raising concerns about zoonotic disease transmission. Moreover, due to their diet habits, raccoons may pose a challenge to reintroduction programs of endangered species into the park. This project, in collaboration with the National Park Services, aims to estimate the raccoon population, home range and roundworm prevalence in Yosemite Valley, as well as to study their association with anthropogenic factors and the overlapping with areas of importance regarding conservation of aquatic endangered species. Mark-resight, GPS collaring and flotation methodology will be used to achieve such aims. Final results will offer scientific grounded information to assess whether it is necessary to apply management practices to the raccoon population in Yosemite Valley.
