California is home to a robust bear population, often found in both wildlands and areas near human habitation. Understanding these populations involves examining their numbers, species, distribution, and management efforts. Historical context also offers valuable insight into changes in species and distribution over time.
California’s Bear Population: The Numbers and Species
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is California’s sole wild bear species. Despite their name, these bears exhibit a wide range of fur colors, including brown, cinnamon, and blond, in addition to black. They are highly adaptable omnivores, with their diet varying significantly based on season and location, typically consisting of plants, nuts, berries, insects, and occasionally small mammals or carrion.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) estimates the statewide black bear population at 49,000 to 71,000 individuals, with a recent April 2025 estimate citing around 60,000 bears. This population has shown stability and growth over the past decade, indicating a healthy and expanding presence. Their adaptability has allowed black bears to thrive in various California environments.
Where California’s Bears Reside
Black bears are widely distributed across California, inhabiting diverse environments. They are found in forests, grasslands, desert regions, and increasingly, in the urban-wildland interface. Their densest populations typically occur in montane hardwood, montane chaparral, and mixed conifer forests that offer varied food sources and cover.
The state’s most concentrated black bear populations reside in the North Coast and Cascade regions, which collectively account for approximately 50% of California’s black bears. Another substantial portion, about 40%, is found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, though at slightly lower densities. The remaining bears are present in smaller numbers in other areas, including the Central Coast and South Coast, extending into the Transverse Ranges.
Monitoring and Managing Bear Populations
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the primary agency responsible for monitoring and managing the state’s black bear populations. Their efforts aim to ensure the persistence of healthy, diverse bear populations, while also working to minimize human-bear conflicts.
To estimate and track bear populations, CDFW employs techniques like GPS collars, den checks, camera traps, and DNA sampling from hair snares. The recent adoption of an Integrated Population Model (IPM), which incorporates data from genetic sampling and harvest records, represents a significant advancement in population assessment accuracy. The state is divided into nine bear conservation regions to facilitate independent monitoring and targeted management strategies.
A Look Back: Bears in California’s History
California’s historical landscape was once home to the California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus), a now-extinct brown bear subspecies. Prior to the 1848 Gold Rush, an estimated 10,000 grizzly bears roamed the state. Extensive hunting and habitat destruction led to their demise, with the last confirmed sighting near Yosemite in 1924. The California grizzly remains a powerful symbol, prominently featured on the state flag and seal.
In contrast, the American black bear faced significant population declines in the early 1900s due to unregulated hunting. Their recovery and expansion into former grizzly territories, particularly in Southern California, were aided by protective measures and targeted translocations. For example, 28 black bears from Yosemite National Park were relocated to Southern California in the 1930s, contributing to the establishment of current populations in those regions. This historical context illustrates the dynamic nature of bear populations and their relationship with human activity in the state.