Flagstaff, Arizona, is located within a vast, forested region, and bears are present here. The city sits on the edge of the Coconino National Forest, where high-elevation Ponderosa pine forests create an ideal habitat for these large mammals. Residents and visitors share this mountain environment with a healthy bear population, making awareness and preparedness necessary for coexistence. Understanding bear behavior and safety practices is fundamental for navigating this shared landscape.
Bear Species Confirmed in the Flagstaff Area
The only species of bear found in Arizona is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), the smallest and most common bear in North America. Unlike the grizzly or brown bear, which are extirpated from the state, black bears inhabit most of Arizona’s forest and woodland areas. An adult male typically weighs between 125 and 400 pounds, with males being noticeably larger than females.
Despite their name, American Black Bears are not always black; their fur color varies widely, including shades of cinnamon, brown, and dark blond. This variation is common across the western United States and does not indicate a different species. These animals are generally shy and secretive, preferring to avoid human contact unless they have become accustomed to finding food near people. While usually non-aggressive toward humans, they should always be treated with caution due to their unpredictable nature and strength.
Seasonal Activity and Common Local Habitats
The Flagstaff area, including the Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks, provides the high-elevation forest habitat bears prefer, generally ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. Bears are most active from early spring through late fall or early winter. This active season is dedicated to foraging and accumulating body fat to survive the winter denning period.
Unlike the deeper hibernation seen in colder climates, winter rest in Arizona’s milder climate may be interrupted. Bears enter a state of torpor but may wake up and leave their dens to search for food during warmer winter thaws. Activity is heightened during dry years when natural food sources, such as acorns, berries, and insects, are scarce. When drought reduces the availability of these foods, bears are more likely to venture into the wildland-urban interface seeking easier meals.
Managing Residential and Camping Attractants
Preventing bears from associating human-occupied areas with food is the most effective way to ensure safety for both people and wildlife. Habituation occurs when a bear repeatedly finds a food reward, such as trash or pet food, near residences or campsites. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) emphasizes that a bear dependent on human food often becomes a public safety threat and is often euthanized.
Attractants must be eliminated during the active season.
- Securing trash is a primary preventative measure; residents should use bear-proof containers or store garbage indoors until the morning of collection.
- If possible, food waste can be stored in a freezer before being placed in the outdoor trash just before pickup time.
- Remove bird feeders, as seeds and suet provide a high-calorie, easily accessible meal.
- Outdoor grills must be thoroughly cleaned after each use and stored inside a secured shed or garage.
- Pet food should never be left outside overnight.
- Any fruit that drops from trees should be collected daily.
Protocol for Unexpected Bear Sightings
If an encounter occurs while hiking or in a residential area, remain calm and never run, as fleeing can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. The recommended protocol involves stopping, standing tall to maximize your visible size, and speaking calmly to the bear in a low, firm voice. This action communicates that you are human and not a potential prey animal.
If the bear does not retreat, continue to back away slowly while still facing it, ensuring the bear has an escape route. Bears may exhibit bluff charges, rushing toward you and stopping short, or they may clack their jaws and swat the ground, which signals stress and a desire for distance. In the rare event a black bear attacks, fight back with all available means, using rocks, sticks, or other objects, to signal that you are a threat. All bear sightings in areas of human activity should be reported immediately to the AZGFD dispatch center.