Brown bears, specifically the grizzly subspecies (Ursus arctos horribilis), are not currently found in the wild in Arizona. While these large bears once roamed the state’s landscapes, their presence is now a matter of historical record. Arizona is, however, home to another bear species, the American black bear, which thrives in many of the state’s diverse habitats.
Historical Presence in Arizona
Before European settlement, grizzly bears were an integral part of Arizona’s ecosystems, serving as apex predators. Their historical range in the Southwest included mountainous regions and riparian areas across Arizona and New Mexico, providing suitable environments from high-elevation forests to meadows for foraging. Accounts from the era of westward expansion indicate grizzly bears were present in various parts of the state, including the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. Their diet was varied, including grass, insects, berries, and small mammals.
Their Disappearance from Arizona
The extirpation of grizzly bears from Arizona was a rapid process, occurring primarily between 1860 and 1910, with most remaining individuals disappearing by the 1930s. This decline was largely driven by human expansion and associated conflicts. As settlers, ranchers, and miners moved into Arizona, they cleared land for agriculture and development, leading to significant habitat loss for grizzly bears.
Grizzlies were also relentlessly hunted, trapped, and poisoned, often perceived as a threat to livestock and human safety. The federal government even initiated a campaign to exterminate large carnivores in the West, which included grizzly bears, starting in 1914. The last confirmed killing of a grizzly bear in Arizona occurred in 1935 or 1936, near Escudilla Mountain in the eastern part of the state.
Bear Species Currently in Arizona
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species that currently inhabits Arizona. These bears are widely distributed across the state, primarily found in woodland habitats such as pinyon-juniper, oak woodland, coniferous forests, and chaparral. They can also be found in desert riparian areas, particularly during dry periods when they may search for food and water in new locations.
Arizona’s black bears are omnivores, with their diet varying seasonally. In spring, they consume grasses and leaves, transitioning to nuts, berries, and cactus fruits in summer and fall. Insects, such as cicada nymphs, and carrion also form part of their diet.
Black bears typically weigh between 125 and 400 pounds in Arizona, with males generally larger than females. They are mostly active at dawn and dusk and are usually solitary, except for mothers with cubs or during breeding season. The estimated black bear population in Arizona is around 3,000 individuals.
Distinguishing Between Bear Species
Distinguishing between brown bears (grizzlies) and black bears is useful. One of the most distinguishing features of a grizzly bear is the prominent muscular hump on its shoulders, which black bears lack. Grizzly bears also have a “dished-in” facial profile, appearing concave from the eyes to the snout, whereas black bears have a straighter face profile.
Another key difference lies in their claws and ears. Grizzly bears possess longer, straighter front claws, typically 2 to 4 inches long, which are adapted for digging. Black bears have shorter, more curved claws, usually less than 2 inches, better suited for climbing trees. Additionally, grizzly bears tend to have shorter, more rounded ears in proportion to their heads, while black bears have taller, more pointed ears. It is important to remember that coat color can be misleading, as both species exhibit a range of colors from black to brown to blond.