Hwy 120 - Tioga Pass Closed

Yes the rodents may get the plague, but the fleas are the vector that transmit the plague to humans.

Of course it's the fleas! However without the rodents there are no fleas. You are incorrect regarding the rodents not having the plague. The plague has been plaguing the squirrel population for who knows how many thousands of years. The fleas get the plague from the rodent carriers and then become the spreaders of the disease.

Yes, it's the fleas, not the rodents, that have plague.

Bring out yer dead! Bring out yer dead!

I really doubt that you could smell the decomposing squirrel. They retreat to their den in the burrow, which is usually located some distance from the entrance. Bubonic plague is common amongst the rodent population in the Sierra's. Unfortunately in park like Yosemite where tourists think it cute to feed the the squirrels this issue will pop up from time to time.

The insecticide is for the fleas not the rodents. The rodents will be fine.

I am wondering about the aftermath of the fumigation of the rodent burrows -- won't the squirrels decompose under there? It could be unpleasant for the campers for a couple of weeks -- yuck.

Tioga Pass opened back up today!

inciweb is your best resource for fires in the west, and as far east as south Dakota! Also posts up highway closures, and usually is updated every day.

A little more info Walker fire

Inciweb page for Walker Fire

Includes map, photos, news releases.