Bears are a natural and long-established part of Arizona’s diverse ecosystem, primarily inhabiting the state’s extensive mountain ranges and forests. Their presence means that human residents and visitors must be aware of their habits. Understanding that these animals share the environment promotes safe coexistence. This awareness is important as human development continues to expand into traditional bear habitats.
Identifying Arizona’s Bear Species
The sole bear species found in Arizona is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). This is the smallest and most widespread bear in North America. Despite their name, these bears exhibit significant color variation, with coats ranging from black to brown, cinnamon, and even dark blond. A typical adult male in Arizona weighs between 125 and 400 pounds, standing about three to three-and-a-half feet tall on all fours.
Black bears are omnivores, meaning their diet is highly adaptable and consists mostly of vegetation, insects, and nuts. They are opportunistic feeders, relying heavily on acorns, berries, and cactus fruits. Only a small portion of their diet consists of animal matter like insects or carrion. Black bears are generally solitary animals, and their activity peaks during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They may become nocturnal if drawn to human-related food sources.
Geographic Range and Preferred Habitat
Arizona’s black bear population is concentrated in the higher-elevation forested areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, such as the White Mountains and along the Mogollon Rim. Their preferred habitat includes conifer forests, oak woodlands, chaparral, and even some desert riparian areas, typically ranging in elevation from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. These regions provide the dense cover and varied food sources the bears require.
Bears maintain home ranges of about seven to fifteen square miles, though this can vary depending on the availability of resources. During periods of drought, when natural food sources become scarce, bears may travel long distances. They sometimes venture into lower desert areas or urban fringes near Phoenix and Tucson in search of water and sustenance. The availability of food and water dictates their movement, occasionally leading them outside their usual mountain strongholds.
Minimizing Human-Bear Encounters
The primary cause of conflict between humans and bears is the availability of human-related food, which causes bears to lose their natural fear of people. For residents and campers, securing all attractants is the most effective precaution against encounters. This means ensuring trash is kept in a secured enclosure until collection day, or storing food waste in a freezer until disposal.
Pet food and bird feeders should also be removed, as these are easy, high-calorie food sources that draw bears into residential areas. When camping, all food, trash, and scented items must be secured in a bear-proof container or hung out of reach. Hikers should make noise while on trails to alert bears to their presence, as bears avoid humans they know are approaching.
If a bear is encountered, do not run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, slowly back away while maintaining eye contact, making yourself look larger by raising your arms, and yelling at the bear. A bear habituated to human food often becomes a nuisance bear, requiring wildlife officials to remove or euthanize it. Preventing access to human food is essential.