Arizona Black Bear
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Arizona black bears are the state's only living bear species and are a regional population of the American black bear, Ursus americanus. They inhabit forested mountains, oak woodlands, chaparral and riparian canyons, with the greatest concentrations along the Mogollon Rim, in the White Mountains and in several central and eastern Arizona mountain ranges. Although black bears are usually shy and avoid people, their search for food can bring them near campgrounds, cabins and rural communities. Learning about their habitat, diet, behavior and proper bear-safety practices helps visitors enjoy Arizona's wild country while protecting both people and bears.
The American black bear is the most widespread bear species in North America and the only bear species currently found in Arizona. Despite their name, Arizona black bears may have black, brown, cinnamon or dark-blond fur. Adults are generally 5 to 6 feet long and stand approximately 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder when on all four feet. Arizona bears commonly weigh between about 125 and 400 pounds, with adult males usually larger than females.
Characteristics and Behavior
Typically, black bears are solitary animals except in family groups of mother and cubs, breeding pairs or when they congregate at feeding sites. They are shy, curious and very intelligent. The black bear's diet primarily consists of berries, cactus fruit, roots, insects and sometimes livestock. They also seem to like whatever campers eat because they will often raid food items at camp sites.
What Arizona Black Bears Eat
Black bears are omnivores, but much of their diet consists of plant material. Depending on the season, they eat grasses, roots, flowers, berries, seeds, acorns, cactus fruit and other vegetation. They also consume insects, fish, carrion and occasionally young deer, elk or other animals. Bears eat heavily during late summer and fall to build the fat reserves needed during winter denning.
Hibernation and Black Bear Cubs
Most Arizona black bears den from approximately November through March. During this period, their body temperature, heart rate and metabolism decrease, although they remain more alert than many animals considered deep hibernators. Cubs are usually born in December or January while the mother is in her winter den. Litters commonly contain two cubs, although larger litters occur. The cubs generally emerge during April and remain with their mother through the following winter before separating during their second spring.
Black bears are relatively long lived animals, with some black bears living as long as 20 years of age.
Where Black Bears Live in Arizona
Arizona black bears are primarily associated with elevations from approximately 4,000 to 10,000 feet. Their habitats include ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests, pinyon-juniper woodland, oak woodland, chaparral, riparian corridors and some desert-scrub environments. Notable bear country includes the White Mountains, the Mogollon Rim near Payson, the Mazatzal Mountains, the Pinaleño Mountains and other forested ranges in northern, central and eastern Arizona.
Bears may travel considerable distances during drought, wildfire or seasonal food shortages. These movements sometimes bring them into communities, campgrounds and lower-elevation areas where they would not normally remain. Accessible garbage, pet food, birdseed, grills and other attractants can encourage a passing bear to return.
Arizona Black Bear Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ursus americanus.
Size: Adults are generally 5 to 6 feet long and approximately 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder when standing on all four feet.
Weight: Arizona black bears commonly weigh approximately 125 to 400 pounds, with males generally larger than females.
Color: Fur may be black, brown, cinnamon or dark blond.
Diet: Black bears are omnivores that eat grasses, roots, berries, seeds, acorns, cactus fruit, insects, carrion and occasional animal prey.
Arizona range: Primarily the forested mountains, woodlands, chaparral and riparian areas of northern, central and eastern Arizona.
Habitat elevation: Most commonly found from approximately 4,000 to 10,000 feet.
Life span: Black bears may live for more than 20 years in the wild.
Activity: Usually most active around dawn and dusk but may become nocturnal near human food sources.
Movement: Black bears can run, swim and climb trees. They may travel long distances in search of food or new territory.
Social behavior: Usually solitary except for mothers with cubs, breeding pairs and temporary gatherings at feeding areas.
Reproduction: Cubs are generally born during December or January and remain with their mother until their second spring.
Arizona population: Arizona's black bear population is currently considered stable to increasing.
What To Do If You See a Black Bear
If you notice a bear before it sees you, do not approach it. Quietly move away and change your route. If the bear notices you, remain calm, face the animal and back away slowly while giving it room to leave. Never run from a black bear. If the bear approaches, stand upright, make yourself look larger and make loud noises. Bear spray may be used if the animal continues approaching. If a black bear attacks, fight back rather than playing dead.
How To Avoid Attracting Black Bears
- Never intentionally feed a bear or leave food where it can reach it.
- Store garbage in a secure building or bear-resistant container.
- Do not keep food, scented products or trash inside a tent.
- Feed pets indoors and remove uneaten pet food.
- Clean grills thoroughly and store them in a secure location.
- Keep dogs leashed when hiking in bear country.
- Make noise when hiking so nearby bears have time to leave.
- Remove or secure bird feeders when bears are active nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Black Bears
Are there black bears in Arizona?
Yes. The American black bear is the only bear species currently found in Arizona. Black bears live primarily in the forested mountains, oak woodlands, chaparral and riparian areas of northern, central and eastern Arizona.
Where are black bears most common in Arizona?
Black bears are most commonly found along the Mogollon Rim, in the White Mountains, the Mazatzal Mountains, the Pinaleño Mountains and other forested ranges across central and eastern Arizona. They generally favor elevations between approximately 4,000 and 10,000 feet.
Are Arizona black bears always black?
No. Despite their name, Arizona black bears may have black, dark-brown, cinnamon or occasionally dark-blond fur. Color alone should not be used to identify the species.
What do Arizona black bears eat?
Arizona black bears are omnivores, but much of their diet consists of plant material. They eat grasses, roots, berries, seeds, acorns, cactus fruit and other vegetation, along with insects, carrion, fish and occasional animal prey.
Do black bears hibernate in Arizona?
Most Arizona black bears enter winter dens from approximately November through March. Their metabolism and heart rate slow considerably, although they remain more alert than animals that experience deep hibernation. Some bears may remain active longer during mild winters or where food is readily available.
When are black bear cubs born in Arizona?
Black bear cubs are usually born during December or January while the mother is in her winter den. The cubs typically emerge during April and remain with their mother through the following winter before separating during their second spring.
Are Arizona black bears dangerous?
Black bears usually avoid people, but any bear can become dangerous when surprised, threatened, protecting cubs or conditioned to associate people with food. Visitors should never approach, surround or feed a black bear.
What should I do if I see a black bear?
Remain calm, face the bear and slowly back away while giving it a clear route to leave. Do not run or approach the animal. If the bear moves closer, stand upright, make yourself look larger and make loud noises. If a black bear attacks, fight back rather than playing dead.
How can campers avoid attracting black bears?
Store food, garbage and scented products in a secure building, vehicle or bear-resistant container. Keep food out of tents, clean grills after use, feed pets indoors and never intentionally leave food for wildlife.
Can black bears climb trees and swim?
Yes. Black bears are strong swimmers and capable climbers. They can also run quickly over short distances, which is why people should never attempt to outrun or chase a bear.
Wildlife information: Bear distribution, behavior and safety guidance should be verified through the Arizona Game and Fish Department before visiting or camping in bear country.
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