The Big Bear region, situated in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, is a popular destination that often causes confusion regarding its namesake wildlife. While the name suggests the presence of large bears, the species inhabiting the local forests is not the one for which the area was originally named. Understanding the local bear population is essential for safe and respectful coexistence, which begins with correctly identifying the animals that share this mountain habitat.
The American Black Bear: The Region’s Only Species
The only bear species currently inhabiting the Big Bear area is the American Black Bear, scientifically known as Ursus americanus. Despite the common name, the local population displays significant color variation, often appearing in shades of cinnamon, brown, or blonde rather than jet black. This color difference is a common characteristic in western populations of the species. A key physical identifier for the American Black Bear is the absence of a prominent shoulder hump and the presence of a relatively straight facial profile and large, rounded ears.
The typical adult male, or boar, can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, while females, or sows, generally range from 100 to 300 pounds. These animals have non-retractable claws that make them adept at climbing trees, which is a distinguishing trait. The successful establishment of the Black Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains is the result of a mid-20th-century relocation effort that introduced bears into the area from other parts of California.
Understanding Local Bear Behavior
American Black Bears are opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet shifts with the seasons and the availability of food sources. Their natural diet consists heavily of vegetation, including grasses, berries, and nuts, with acorns being a key food source in the fall. Insects, grubs, and small mammals also supplement their foraging.
During the fall, bears enter a period called hyperphagia, where they consume up to 20,000 calories a day to build fat reserves for the winter denning period. Bears in the milder Southern California mountains may experience periods of dormancy from October through March, but can sometimes be active year-round. This drive for calories frequently draws them into the urban-wildland interface, as human-provided food offers a high-calorie, low-effort alternative to natural foraging.
Essential Practices for Safe Coexistence
Minimizing human-bear conflict relies on managing attractants that draw bears into developed areas. Proper garbage management is paramount, requiring the use of bear-resistant containers or storing trash inside a secure structure until the morning of collection. Other potential food sources must also be secured:
- Pet food and bird seed should be removed or secured indoors.
- Accessible fruit from trees should be picked up promptly.
- Barbecue grills must be thoroughly cleaned after use and stored in a locked garage or shed to eliminate residual food odors.
If a bear is encountered, remain calm and never run, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, stand your ground, speak in a firm voice, and wave your arms to appear larger. Slowly backing away while facing the bear allows it to retreat without feeling threatened. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to deploy it can provide a last line of defense in the rare event of a close or aggressive encounter.
Why the Area is Called “Big Bear”
The name “Big Bear” is a historical reference to a species that no longer exists in California: the California Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos). When the area was first explored by settlers in the mid-19th century, this species was abundant in the valley. They were eventually hunted to extinction in the region due to conflicts with livestock ranching and human settlement. The last confirmed wild California Grizzly was seen in the state around 1924. The area’s name remains a tribute to the once-dominant megafauna, even though the only bear that resides there today is the American Black Bear.