Arizona is home to a single native bear species. Understanding their presence, habits, and how to interact safely with them is important for residents and visitors. Awareness of their natural behaviors and preferred environments contributes to harmonious coexistence.
Arizona’s Native Bear Species
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is Arizona’s only bear species. Despite their name, black bears exhibit a wide range of fur colors, including brown, cinnamon, blond, or dark blond. This variation is common in western states, where lighter fur may help reduce heat absorption from the sun.
Adults weigh 125-400 pounds, with males larger than females. On all fours, they stand 3-3.5 feet tall and can reach 5-6 feet in length. They have a short tail and lack the prominent shoulder hump of grizzly bears. Black bears are agile climbers, aided by shorter claws and legs.
Where Bears Live in Arizona
Black bears inhabit most forest, woodland, and chaparral areas across Arizona. They are also found in desert riparian zones, which are areas along water sources in arid regions. Their distribution extends from elevations of 4,000 to 10,000 feet, and they can be observed in regions like the White Mountains, the Mogollon Rim, and the Four Peaks area.
These bears are opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet varies seasonally based on available food sources. In spring, they consume grasses and forbs, while summer brings berries and other tree fruits. Fall is a period of heightened foraging, as bears consume around 20,000 calories daily to prepare for winter, relying on nuts and a mix of soft and hard mast. While active during dawn and dusk, bears may alter their patterns and become nocturnal if they find easily accessible food sources near human activity.
Staying Safe Around Bears
Minimizing human-bear conflicts relies on preventing bears from associating humans with food. Never intentionally feed bears or allow them access to human food, pet food, or garbage. Unsecured trash, bird feeders, and pet food are common attractants that can draw bears into populated areas. Storing garbage in secured containers until collection day, taking down bird feeders at night, and keeping pet food indoors are effective preventative measures.
If an encounter with a bear occurs, staying calm is important. Do not run, as this may trigger a chase response. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms or a jacket, and make loud noises like yelling. Slowly back away while facing the bear, allowing it an escape route. If a black bear attacks, fight back aggressively with any available objects, targeting the bear’s face and muzzle.