Black bears are present in and around Los Angeles, a reality shaped by the region’s diverse geography and the interface between urban development and natural wilderness. They are a natural part of the local wildlife, extending beyond city limits into surrounding mountain ranges. While encounters are not an everyday occurrence for most residents, understanding their habitats and behaviors helps in fostering coexistence.
Bear Presence and Typical Habitats
The primary bear species found in the Los Angeles area is the California black bear, known scientifically as Ursus americanus californiensis. These bears are not native to Southern California; their presence stems from a 1930s reintroduction program. Approximately 27 to 30 black bears from Yosemite National Park were released into the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.
Today, these bears inhabit mountain ranges bordering the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica Mountains. These areas offer dense forest cover, chaparral, and diverse food sources like berries, nuts, insects, and vegetation, crucial for their survival. Recent observations include a mother bear with cubs in the Santa Monica Mountains, indicating potential establishment of breeding populations where they were previously rare.
Why Bears Venture into Urban Areas
Black bears venture into urban and suburban areas due to environmental pressures and easy access to human-provided food. Natural food scarcity, often exacerbated by droughts and wildfires, reduces the availability of berries, nuts, and other forage in their habitats. This drives bears to seek alternative sustenance in populated areas.
Human residences present readily available, high-calorie food attractants. Unsecured trash cans, outdoor pet food, fruit trees, and bird feeders can draw bears into neighborhoods. The expansion of human development encroaches on bear habitats, increasing encounter likelihood as traditional territories shrink. Younger, exploratory bears may wander into new territories out of curiosity, sometimes crossing freeways.
Living Safely Alongside Bears
Coexisting safely with bears involves preventing encounters and knowing how to respond. Residents can reduce the likelihood of attracting bears by managing potential food sources. Securing trash in bear-resistant containers is effective; some areas offer certified bins.
Other preventative actions include bringing pet food and bird feeders indoors overnight, and picking up fallen fruit promptly. Cleaning outdoor grills after each use and keeping garage doors closed deters bears from exploring residential areas. When in bear country, avoid cooking near tents and store all scented items, including toiletries, in bear-resistant containers or vehicles.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase instinct. Instead, appear as large as possible by waving your arms and making noise to signal your presence. Slowly back away from the bear, ensuring an escape route, and never approach cubs, as a mother bear will be protective. In the rare event of a physical attack, fighting back aggressively is advised. Report bear sightings or incidents to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) using their Wildlife Incident Reporting System, or call 911 for immediate public safety threats.