Hite's Cove on the S Fork of the Merced River isn't far from YNP and no doubt has it's share of rattlers, pumas, and both chemically and genetically altered weirdos, however the danger apparently is from Has-Mat as this very sad and tragic story seems to indicate.
Something to do with old mines? I don't know but do be cautious is your photographic travels take you to this area!
https://www.foxnews.com/us/californi...te-hiking-area