The question of whether Brown Bears, also known as Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), currently roam the Arizona wilderness has a clear answer: they do not. While the state’s rugged mountains and forests are home to a thriving population of bears, these are exclusively American Black Bears. Understanding the difference between these two species, particularly their history and physical characteristics, is important for anyone exploring the wilder parts of the Southwest.
The Definitive Answer: Current Status
The Brown Bear, specifically the Grizzly Bear subspecies, is considered extirpated from Arizona, meaning the species no longer exists in the state in the wild. This bear population was systematically eliminated from the region decades ago, primarily through efforts to protect livestock and human settlements during westward expansion. There is no established or known population of Grizzly Bears currently residing within Arizona’s borders.
A Look Back: Historical Presence of Grizzlies
Before the arrival of European settlers, Grizzly Bears inhabited a much wider range across North America, including the mountainous regions of what is now Arizona. These large predators were once found in high-elevation areas and riparian zones, including the San Francisco Peaks and the White Mountains.
The final chapter of the Grizzly Bear in Arizona is tied to a specific extirpation event. The last known Grizzly Bear was killed in 1936 on Escudilla Mountain in the eastern part of the state, near the New Mexico border. This date and location mark the end of the species’ continuous presence in Arizona’s ecosystem. The disappearance of the Grizzly Bear illustrates a significant ecological shift that occurred across the Southwest during the early 20th century.
The Bear of Arizona: Identifying the Black Bear
The only bear species currently found in Arizona is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), which is the smallest and most widely distributed bear in North America. Despite its common name, the Black Bear in Arizona frequently displays a variety of colors, ranging from black to brown, cinnamon, and even dark blond. This variation makes color an unreliable identifier.
Arizona’s Black Bears are typically found in woodland and forest habitats, including the Mogollon Rim, the White Mountains, and the Sky Island mountain ranges in the southern part of the state. Adult males generally weigh between 125 and 400 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 600 pounds. Their diet is primarily omnivorous, consisting heavily of vegetation like acorns, berries, and grasses, supplemented by insects and occasionally carrion.
Black bears are generally shy and secretive animals, often most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk. Their ability to climb trees is a significant behavior, utilizing their short, curved claws to escape perceived threats.
Distinguishing Between Species
Distinguishing between the American Black Bear and the Brown Bear, or Grizzly, requires focusing on several distinct physical features rather than coat color or size alone. The most reliable physical characteristic to look for is the prominent shoulder hump present on the Grizzly Bear. This hump is a mass of muscle used to power the front limbs for digging and is absent on the Black Bear, whose back appears relatively straight.
The facial profile also offers a clear distinction: the Grizzly Bear has a concave or “dished” profile from the eyes to the nose, whereas the Black Bear has a straighter, more uniform profile. Another key difference lies in the ears, which are smaller and more rounded on the Grizzly Bear, appearing almost proportional to its head size. Conversely, the Black Bear has larger, more pointed, and erect ears.
Finally, the claws provide a functional difference, reflecting the bears’ primary activities. Grizzly Bears possess long, relatively straight claws, measuring three to four inches, which are adapted for digging up roots and prey. Black Bears have shorter, more sharply curved claws, typically less than two inches long, which are better suited for climbing trees.