Arizona is home to a robust black bear population. Understanding their preferred environments and behaviors is important for safe coexistence, helping residents and visitors appreciate these animals while minimizing potential conflicts.
Arizona’s Bear Inhabitants
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species currently found in Arizona. While often called “black” bears, their fur color can vary significantly, ranging from black to brown, cinnamon, or even dark blond. Adult males typically weigh between 125 and 400 pounds, with females generally weighing less. These bears are primarily solitary animals, except for mothers with cubs or during breeding periods, and are generally most active during dawn and dusk.
Prime Bear Habitats
Black bears in Arizona predominantly inhabit forested and woodland regions, chaparral, and desert riparian zones. They are commonly found at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet, with activity highest above 5,000 feet.
Specific areas with notable black bear presence include the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and mountainous regions near Payson, Flagstaff, and Prescott. The Huachuca Mountains in southeastern Arizona and the Santa Catalina Mountains, particularly within Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain District, also support bear populations. These habitats often feature ponderosa pine forests, mixed conifers, pinyon-juniper, and oak woodlands. Bears can also be found in desert riparian areas, utilizing available water and food sources.
Why Bears Choose Certain Areas
Bears select habitats based on the availability of food, water, and cover. As omnivores, their diet changes seasonally with what is abundant. In spring, they consume grasses and forbs, transitioning to soft mast like berries and tree fruits in summer. Fall foraging focuses on hard mast, such as acorns and nuts, as bears build fat reserves for winter.
Insects, including bees, termites, caterpillars, and beetles, also form part of their diet. Bears in desert riparian areas have been observed consuming cicada nymphs, showing their adaptability. Access to reliable water is important; during dry periods, bears may venture closer to human settlements. Dense forest and chaparral provide cover for resting, raising cubs, and denning.
Seasonal Bear Movements and Encounters
Black bears exhibit seasonal movements influenced by food availability and weather. They typically enter winter dens for hibernation from November through March. Female bears give birth to cubs in January. Arizona’s milder winters mean bears may not enter deep hibernation and might emerge from dens to search for food.
Cubs emerge from dens with their mothers in April and remain with them for nearly two years. As spring progresses, bears actively forage, with home ranges typically spanning 7 to 15 square miles, though males may range wider. When natural food sources are scarce, especially during droughts, bears may move to lower elevations or closer to human-populated areas, increasing human-bear encounters.
Living Alongside Arizona’s Bears
Minimizing human-bear conflicts requires proactive measures. Avoid intentionally feeding bears, as this leads to them associating humans with food, often with negative outcomes for the bears. Secure all food and trash; use bear-proof containers or store garbage indoors until collection. Do not leave pet food outdoors, and bring in bird feeders at night. Picking up fallen fruit and keeping barbecue grills clean also eliminates attractants.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm and do not run, as running can trigger a chase response. Slowly back away while facing the bear, appearing as large as possible by waving your arms or holding up a jacket. Making loud noises, such as yelling or banging objects, can deter the bear. If a bear exhibits aggressive behavior or attacks, fight back with all available means. Report any bear sightings or concerning behavior to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.