The San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) is a vast environment where visitors share space with native wildlife, including bears. Understanding their presence and behavior is paramount for safety, protecting both visitors and the bear population. Awareness of proper protocols and the characteristics of the bears in this Southern California region is the first step toward a safe experience. The focus must be on prevention and knowing how to react if an encounter occurs while hiking or camping.
Bear Species Confirmation in the Forest
The only bear species currently inhabiting the San Bernardino National Forest is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). While the name suggests a dark coat, these bears often exhibit a wide range of colors, including cinnamon, brown, and even blonde variations. The population in the SBNF was introduced in the 1930s from Yosemite National Park to replace the grizzly bears that were hunted to extinction in California.
Black bears are generally smaller than their grizzly counterparts, with adult males typically weighing between 200 and 425 pounds. They are omnivores, primarily eating plant matter such as berries, nuts, roots, and grasses, supplemented by insects and carrion.
Proactive Measures to Avoid Encounters
Preventing an interaction begins with meticulous management of all potential food sources and scented items. The highly sensitive nose of a black bear can detect odors from miles away. When camping, all food, trash, and toiletries, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and scented soaps, must be stored securely away from the sleeping area.
For overnight stays, utilize the provided bear-resistant food lockers at developed campsites, or store all attractants inside a hard-sided vehicle trunk. Backcountry users must employ a bear canister or execute a proper bear hang, suspending all food and scented items at least ten feet above the ground and four feet away from any vertical support. This practice prevents bears from associating humans with easy meals, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
Cleanliness is a mandatory preventative measure, requiring all cooking areas and utensils to be thoroughly scrubbed immediately after use. Never dispose of cooking grease or food scraps on the ground or by burning them in a campfire, as these odors will attract bears to the campsite. When hiking, make consistent noise by talking or singing, especially when moving through dense brush or around blind corners. This alerts any nearby bears to human presence, giving them time to move away before a surprise encounter can occur.
Required Actions During a Bear Encounter
If a bear is sighted, the primary rule is to remain calm and never run, as fleeing can trigger a chase response. Instead, face the animal and speak to it in a firm, calm voice to identify yourself as a human. Slowly begin to back away, ensuring the bear has a clear escape route.
If the black bear advances or shows curiosity, stand your ground and make yourself appear as large as possible by raising your arms or holding a jacket overhead. Shouting aggressively and making loud noises is the correct protocol for black bears, as this is often enough to scare them away. If you are carrying bear spray, ensure it is readily accessible and be prepared to deploy it immediately.
In the rare event that a black bear makes physical contact or attacks, the protocol is to fight back aggressively. Unlike the defensive response recommended for grizzly bears, do not play dead. Instead, use any available object to strike the bear, focusing blows on its face and muzzle. This forceful resistance signals to the bear that the person is not an easy target.