State Warned NPS About Rodents

Yosemite, CA — The National Park Service was advised by the state two years ago to step up efforts to prevent rodents from entering areas where people sleep in Yosemite National Park.

The Associated Press reports that the 2010 report issued by the California Department of Public Health was commissioned by the National Park Service. The issue has come under heavy scrutiny now that two people have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease spread by rodents.

The report states that inspections for rodent infestations and appropriate exclusion efforts should be increased, notably for buildings where people sleep. The recent deaths were residents that had stayed at the Curry Village tent areas.