OAKHURST, CALIFORNIA, January 16, 2026— It's a carved bear bonanza in Oakhurst, California, the Carved Bear Capital of the World™, thanks to continued efforts by Visit Yosemite | Madera County and a proclamation by the Madera County Board of Supervisors. The milestone honors more than a century of creativity, craftsmanship, and community pride. 

"Growing up in Oakhurst, carved bears were everywhere; they were a quirky, cheerful part of everyday life," expressed Brooke Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for Visit Yosemite. "When I learned about the effort that started more than 20 years ago to trademark this distinction, I knew it was a project I wanted to help carry across the finish line for my hometown. I'm proud to say I'm from the Carved Bear Capital of the World, and I know our places to eat, shop, and play in Oakhurst are going to have a lot of fun with it." 

The carved bear tradition in Oakhurst dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the region's booming lumber industry left an abundance of wood, skilled labor, and chainsaws in its wake. What began as practical work evolved into artistic expression, as local carvers transformed logs into iconic wooden bears, symbols of strength, nature, and mountain life. Over time, these carved bears became a defining feature of the town's identity. 

Today, carved bears are woven into the daily life of Oakhurst residents. Visitors can spot them welcoming guests outside restaurants, hotels, shops, along roadways, and at the Southern Yosemite Visitor Center. Together, they form an open-air gallery unlike anywhere else in the world. 

One of the most beloved local traditions is the annual ARTober in Oakhurst Carved Bear Scavenger Hunt. Every day in October, a hand-carved wooden bear is hidden somewhere in Oakhurst, with a clue posted on the ARToberOakhurst Instagram page. The first person to solve the clue and find the bear can take it home, provided they share their discovery on Instagram using the #ARToberOakhurst, turning art into adventure. 

Visit Yosemite | Madera County also has a grant program to assist local tourism partners in purchasing carved bears, helping ensure Oakhurst's official title is well known. With the official recognition in place, Oakhurst proudly embraces its title as the Carved Bear Capital of the World, inviting visitors to explore, photograph, and experience a uniquely Sierra tradition. 

For more information on carved bears, where to purchase your own, and ARTober in Oakhurst, please visit https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/the-carved-bear-capital-of-the-world.