American Black Bears are present in Southern California, inhabiting mountainous and forested wildland areas. Understanding their habits helps foster coexistence.
Confirming Their Presence and Species
American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) are the only bear species found in California. Though their color varies (black, brown, cinnamon, or blonde), any bear encountered in California is a black bear. The California Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos californicus), the state’s historical bear, was extirpated by the early 1900s, with the last sighting in 1924.
Black bears were not originally widespread in Southern California. In the 1930s, the California Department of Fish and Game introduced approximately 28 black bears from the Sierra Nevada into the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains. This established the current population, which expanded its range into former grizzly habitats. Their adaptability and omnivorous diet allow them to thrive in Southern California’s diverse landscapes.
Where Bears Roam in Southern California
Black bears in Southern California primarily inhabit extensive mountain ranges and national forests. These include the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains, and the Angeles, San Bernardino, and Los Padres National Forests. They prefer habitats like montane hardwood, montane chaparral, and mixed conifer forests, often at elevations from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Their presence also extends into foothills and the wildland-urban interface as communities expand, notably in suburban areas like Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Burbank, and Castaic, especially when natural food sources are scarce.
Understanding Bear Behavior and Their Habitat
Southern California black bears are omnivores, primarily foraging for wild plant matter like berries, acorns, leaves, roots, and grasses. They also consume insects, carrion, small mammals, or bird eggs. They are opportunistic, readily eating human-provided food sources like garbage, pet food, and crops.
Black bears typically enter dens for dormancy between October and December, emerging from March to May. Due to Southern California’s milder climate, some bears, particularly at lower elevations, may not fully hibernate but become less active. Though generally timid, their movements are influenced by habitat fragmentation and human development. Human food attractants often draw bears closer to populated areas, increasing interactions and habituation.
Living Safely Alongside Southern California Bears
Coexisting with black bears requires proactive measures to minimize conflicts. Secure all food and trash in bear-resistant containers in bear-prone areas. Remove other attractants like pet food, bird feeders, and unharvested fruit from properties. When camping, ensure food is not left in tents and cooking areas are clean.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Do not run, as this can trigger a chase response. Make yourself appear large by waving your arms and yelling. Pick up small children immediately. Slowly back away while facing the bear, giving it space to retreat. If a black bear charges or attacks, fight back aggressively. Report any aggressive or concerning bear behavior to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.