The answer is yes: black bears are present in the Prescott, Arizona region. The city’s proximity to the expansive Prescott National Forest (PNF) places the entire area within established bear habitat. Bears regularly traverse the forested mountains and canyons, making occasional appearances in the wildland-urban interface a normal occurrence. Coexistence requires residents and visitors to understand their behavior and proactively prevent conflicts.
Confirming Bear Presence in the Region
The only bear species found within Arizona is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). While their name suggests a black coat, their coloration in the Southwest frequently includes brown, cinnamon, and dark blond phases. These animals are omnivores, relying on a diet of grasses, berries, nuts, insects, and carrion, though they are highly opportunistic feeders.
Adult males in Arizona generally weigh between 125 and 400 pounds, while females tend to be smaller. An adult black bear stands about three to three-and-a-half feet tall on all fours, reaching approximately six feet when standing upright. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) actively monitors these populations as human development expands into their natural territory, increasing the potential for interaction.
Typical Bear Habitat and Activity Patterns
The primary residence for bears near Prescott is the Prescott National Forest, which provides necessary cover, water, and foraging grounds. They are particularly drawn to chaparral, pinyon-juniper, and coniferous forest habitats, as well as riparian areas. These bears are generally solitary animals and maintain a home range of about seven to fifteen square miles, varying depending on food availability.
Bears are most active during the spring, summer, and fall, entering a state of torpor during winter. Their activity peaks in the spring when they emerge searching for food and again in the fall during hyperphagia, where they consume excessive calories to prepare for winter. Bears are typically most active around dawn and dusk, but they may shift their patterns to become nocturnal if they find human-related food sources like trash.
Preventing Conflicts and Securing Attractants
The greatest risk occurs when bears become habituated to human food, often leading to property damage and the bear’s eventual removal. Bears possess an exceptional sense of smell, drawing them into residential areas in search of easy meals. Proactive mitigation of food sources is the most effective way to prevent these conflicts.
Securing household garbage is paramount, as trash is the most common attractant. Residents should store all trash inside a secured building or a bear-proof container until the morning of collection day. If a secured container is unavailable, food waste should be kept in a freezer and added to the outdoor container immediately before pickup.
Securing Food Sources
Bird feeders, including those for hummingbirds, are powerful attractants due to high-calorie seeds and sugar water. Bird feeders should be removed entirely during peak bear activity seasons or taken down every night and stored indoors. Pet or livestock food should be fed indoors or removed immediately after an animal finishes eating. Outdoor cooking appliances like barbecue grills must be thoroughly cleaned after each use and stored in a secure location, such as a garage or shed.
Safety Protocols During a Bear Encounter
If a bear is sighted, the correct response depends on the location and the bear’s behavior. When hiking, make noise by talking or singing to alert bears to your presence, as they prefer to avoid people. Carrying EPA-registered bear spray is recommended. If a bear is spotted in the distance, alter your route to avoid it.
If a bear approaches, do not run; running can trigger a chase response. Stand your ground, make yourself appear large by waving your arms and jacket, and make loud noises like yelling. If a black bear makes physical contact, fight back with all your strength. In a residential area, immediately go inside and make noise from a safe distance, such as banging pots and pans, to encourage the bear to leave. Bear sightings in areas of human activity should be reported to the AZGFD’s 24/7 dispatch center at 623-236-7201.