American black bears are present in the Big Bear Lake area. While the region was historically home to grizzly bears, which gave Big Bear Lake its name, these larger bears were hunted to extinction in Southern California by the early 1900s. Today, black bears are a natural part of the local ecosystem within the San Bernardino Mountains. Understanding their presence and behaviors is important for safety in this shared environment.
The Bears of Big Bear Lake
American black bears (Ursus americanus) are the only bear species in the Big Bear Lake area. Despite their name, they can be brown, cinnamon, or blonde, as well as black. Adult males weigh 150-400 pounds, some exceeding 500 pounds, while females are smaller at 100-300 pounds. These adaptable omnivores thrive in forested areas with diverse food sources and cover.
Black bears are shy and prefer to avoid human contact. Their diet varies seasonally, consisting mainly of plant matter like berries, nuts, grasses, and leaves, but also insects, carrion, and small mammals. As opportunistic foragers, they are drawn to any accessible food source, which can lead them into human-populated areas. During the fall, bears enter a phase of hyperphagia, significantly increasing their food intake to build fat reserves for winter.
Black bears do not truly hibernate, but enter winter dens from October to December, remaining for several months. They emerge in spring (March-May), often hungry after dormancy. Their strong sense of smell allows them to detect food from considerable distances, guiding movements through their home range in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Coexisting with Bears
Awareness and proactive measures are needed to prevent human-bear conflicts in bear country. Securing food and waste is important, as bears are highly food-motivated and quickly habituate to human-provided sustenance. All food, garbage, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, inside a hard-sided vehicle, or within secure buildings. Pet food should never be left outdoors, and barbecue grills should be thoroughly cleaned after use to eliminate lingering food odors.
When hiking, making noise alerts bears to your presence, allowing them to move away and avoid surprise encounters. Keeping dogs leashed is also important, as off-leash pets can provoke or chase bears, leading to dangerous situations. Remaining aware of your surroundings, especially in densely wooded areas, contributes to a safer experience.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm and avoid running, which can trigger a chase response. Make yourself appear large by waving arms and making loud noises to deter the bear. Back away slowly, always facing the bear, and do not make direct eye contact. If a bear approaches or makes contact, fighting back aggressively has been shown to be an effective defense.
Report bear sightings, especially if a bear seems unafraid of humans, to help local wildlife authorities manage the population and prevent future issues. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to report aggressive or habituated bear behavior. This ensures bears posing a public safety concern are addressed appropriately, often through relocation or other interventions.