Arizona's WildLife
"Where the Wild Things Roam"
Black Bear
Ursus americanus
Look for tracks, scat with berries, or claw marks on trees; best viewed with binoculars
The Black Bear is Arizona’s largest carnivore, found in forested mountain regions and riparian areas. The black bear is Arizona’s largest wild animal—you might spot one snacking on berries or splashing in a river, but always from far away!
Mammal
Identification & Behavior
Size: 200–350 lbs (females), 250–600 lbs (males)
Key Features: Colors vary: black, brown, cinnamon, blond; rounded ears; short tail
Diet: Omnivore – berries, acorns, insects, grasses, carrion, fish, small animals
Activity Pattern: Crepuscular
Behavior: Solitary except mothers with cubs; excellent climbers and swimmers
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Mixed-conifer forests, ponderosa pine, oak woodlands, riparian corridors
Elevation Range: 4500–10000 ft
Seasonal Presence: Year-round (less active in winter)
Arizona Range: White Mountains, Mogollon Rim, Sky Islands
Risks & Management
Do not approach; store food properly; make noise and back away slowly if encountered
Fun Fact: Black bears can smell food over a mile away!
