Arizona no longer hosts grizzly bears within its borders, as these large carnivores were extirpated from the state decades ago. While they once roamed the diverse landscapes, their presence is now confined to historical records. The state’s bear population today consists solely of the American black bear.
Grizzlies in Arizona’s Past
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) once extended their range far south into the American Southwest, including Arizona. Their historical habitat within the state primarily encompassed mountainous regions, high-elevation forests, and riparian areas. Notable locations included the San Francisco Peaks, the Mogollon Rim, the White Mountains, and the Chiricahua Mountains.
The disappearance of grizzlies from Arizona was largely a result of human expansion and activities. Settlers, ranchers, and miners moved into the territory, clearing land for agriculture and development, which led to considerable habitat loss. Grizzly bears were also perceived as a threat to livestock and human safety, leading to intensive hunting, trapping, and poisoning efforts. This systematic removal significantly reduced their numbers.
The last confirmed killing of a grizzly bear in Arizona occurred in the 1930s, marking the species’ extirpation from the state. Specifically, the last known Arizona grizzly was killed in 1935 near Nutrioso or Escudilla Mountain.
Arizona’s Present Bear Species
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species currently found in Arizona. These bears inhabit most forest, woodland, and chaparral habitats across the state, particularly at higher elevations. They can also be found in desert riparian areas.
In Arizona, adult male black bears typically weigh between 125 and 400 pounds, with females weighing less. They are generally solitary animals, except for mothers with cubs or during breeding season. Black bears are primarily omnivores, with their diet consisting of berries, nuts, insects, and cactus fruits.
Arizona’s black bear population is estimated to be around 3,000 individuals and is considered stable to increasing. They typically hibernate from November through March, with cubs born in winter dens during January. These animals are often most active during dawn and dusk.
Distinguishing Bear Species
Differentiating between grizzly bears and black bears involves observing several physical characteristics, as color alone is not a reliable indicator. Both species can exhibit various coat colors, including black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde. Instead, other features provide more consistent identification.
A key distinguishing feature is the presence of a prominent shoulder hump on grizzly bears, which is absent in black bears. This hump is formed by well-developed muscles used for digging. When standing on all fours, a black bear’s highest point is typically the middle of its back or its rump.
The facial profile also differs between the two species. Grizzly bears typically have a concave or “dished” face, extending from between their eyes to the nose. In contrast, black bears usually have a straighter profile from their forehead to the tip of their nose. Grizzly bears also tend to have smaller, more rounded ears in proportion to their head size, while black bears have larger, more pointed ears.
Claw length and curvature provide another way to tell them apart. Grizzly bears possess longer, gently curved claws, typically two to four inches long, which are suited for digging. Black bears, on the other hand, have shorter, more sharply curved claws, generally less than two inches long, which aid them in climbing trees and tearing into rotten logs.